Smarter Irrigation 2: Improving the science of water footprinting

In general terms a water footprint measures the amount of water used to produce each of the goods and services we use. This project will evaluate and potentially improve irrigation water foot printing measurement and reporting methods with the aim of making them more applicable for Australian agriculture. While water footprints have the potential to identify opportunities to improve industry efficiencies, they do have several shortfalls. Most notably the potential for misapplication. This project will provide guidance for Australian extensive irrigation industries about the potential economic and environmental impacts of different water footprinting methods and will provide alternative options to water footprinting methods.