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Water ResourcesWater Resources and Usage in the Czech Republic

Water Resources

Consumption of water resources in the Czech Republic, as with other parts of the world, is a multi-faceted topic raising many questions and concerns. Available resources are reflected in Table 1.

The Czech Republic has conducted a multitude of studies through the collection of quantitative data relating to the diversification of water usage.

The use of this necessary resource affects every aspect of life on a global scale. Creating awareness regarding the challenges we face due to water consumption is the first step in bringing about a worldwide paradigm shift.

The Czech Republic has initiated this change using several concepts, one of these is called Water Foot Printing.

Water Foot printing

‘An indicator of water use that looks at both the direct and indirect water use of a consumer or producer. The water footprint of an individual, community or business is defined as the goods and services consumed by the individual or community or produced by the business. Water use is measured in terms of water volumes consumed (evaporated) and/or polluted per unit of time.’

A water foot print has been defined as:

Water Foot printing

WATER FOOTPRINTING IS BECOMING A POPULAR WAY OF UNDERSTANDING THE TOTAL WATER INPUT TO CONSUMER PRODUCTS SUCH AS BEVERAGES, FOOD AND CLOTHES. JUST AS THE CARBON FOOTPRINT CONCEPT HAS ASSISTED BUSINESSES AND CONSUMERS IN UNDERSTANDING THE LEVEL OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS CREATED BY THEIR ACTIVITIES, SO WATER FOOTPRINTING IS CREATING AWARENESS OF HOW AND WHERE THIS PRECIOUS RESOURCE IS USED.

Foot Printing: Water Types

Green and blue water are considered direct consumptive use.

Grey water is an indirect consumption.

In the development of a Water Foot Print three types of water are assessed: green water, blue water and grey water.

Split Between Net Green, Blue and Grey Water

(Czech Republic – Data 2008)

91.70%

5.92% 2.38%

Green WaterBlue WaterGrey Water

YEAR 2008

* Green and blue water are considered direct consumptiveuse while grey water is an indirect consumption.

Water Foot Printing is a useful tool to build awareness around the water used in the value chain.

The following slides illustrate how this natural resource relates to consumers…

Value Chain Approach to Water Foot Printing

ENERGY

FERTILIZER

PESTICIDE

CROP GROWTH

Crop Cultivation

Water Usage: Agricultural

INDIRECT WATER USE

Water Usage: Agricultural

Crop Processing

TRANSPORT

ENERGY

CROP IMPORTS

DIRECT WATER USE

INDIRECT WATER USE

Water Usage: Agricultural

Unless water management improves significantly, we will face major challenges in securing enough water to support the growing world population, to underpin economic growth and to meet environmental needs.

INDIRECT WATER USE

Water Usage: Brewing

Brewing

DIRECT WATER USE IN BREWERIES - A SIGNIFICANT INDUSTRY IN THE CZECH REPUBLI C

DIRECT WATER USE

Water Usage Across Value Chain

CZECH REPUBLIC (DATA 2007)

0306090

2007

Other Links in the Overall Value Chain: Waterfalls

Pancavsky vodopad

Mumlavsky vodopad

Labský vodopád

Waterfalls in the Czech Republic are one of the many natural attributes and resources that are enjoyed by residents and tourists alike.

- Highest Waterfall in Czech Republic

Kamenice River Navarov, Czech Republic

Current ConditionsVltava River, South Bohenia, Czech Republic

Streams and Rivers in the Czech Republic are also natural attributes and resources that are important in the overall balance of the ecosystem within this country. They are also a point of interest to visitors and those with an interest in fishing.

Other Links in the Overall Value Chain: Small

Streams & Rivers

Challenges Concerning Water Usage

Challenges Include:

Competition for Water Resources

Declining Water Quality

Social Dimensions of Water

Interactions with Business

Water Scarcity

Being aware of and understanding the water challenges they face undoubtedly allows businesses to make bettermanagement decisions and provides the platform to engage with a broader set of stakeholders to address issues outside their direct sphere of influence.

Awareness of these issues is the primary catalyst that will make a difference for future generations......

Water Resources

The complex challenges surrounding water in the 21st Century will only grow in the coming years and companies must be prepared to engage outside their own fence line and traditional comfort zone to ensure the long-term viability…