Virtual Water and Its Role in Water Resource Management

Abstract

Considering the future water scarcity issues, the control and management of water resources have become critically important, particularly with the rapid population growth in various countries and the rising standards of living. Agriculture, especially in developing countries, is the largest consumer of water. Therefore, the concept of virtual water gains significant importance. Virtual water refers to the hidden water embedded in agricultural products, considering the substantial amount of water required for their growth. For instance, the production of one kilogram of wheat consumes more than 1000 liters of water, termed as virtual water, as it's actually used and, in case of agricultural exports and imports, transferred from one country to another. Nations can reduce the cultivation of crops that consume a lot of water through the management of virtual water, controlling the input and output of water concerning this definition.

Virtual water management allows countries to control their water input and output concerning their crops. This concept plays a crucial role in areas facing water scarcity. With efficient management of virtual water, demand for water in different regions (both dry and semi-arid) can be significantly reduced. The term "virtual water" indicates the amount of water used in the production of food items or commercial goods. By minimizing the production of water-intensive products, especially in water-scarce regions, the need for water consumption in those areas decreases significantly. Storing water virtually is a practical way to overcome periods of scarcity, more efficient than artificial reservoirs. The rise in competition for water resources and the increase in demand have made water management a prevalent topic. The transfer of embedded water in agricultural products is a vital component of global water management, particularly in water-scarce regions. The trade of virtual water not only saves water in importing countries but is also considered a global water conservation measure. This article aims to introduce the concept of virtual water and its role in water resource management.