Water Around The Globe - Dussmann Food Campus

Have you noticed that everything alive needs water? Your pets, trees, and your family, too. So why do you think that is? It’s true that our bodies and other living things are made from all sorts of different things but water makes up a lot of it. Also, when you look at a globe of Earth, there really is a lot of water! Scientists have found that all living things need water.

Water covers 71% of the earth’s surface, however only a very small amount is fresh water that can be used directly by people, animals and plants because: 97% of this water is in oceans and is too salty for people, animals or plants to use 2% is frozen at the north and south poles, in glaciers and on snowy mountain ranges.

If the Earth was a basketball, all its water would fit in a ping-pong ball. All available freshwater resources would be no larger than a kernel of popcorn. And if the Earth’s water were a bathtub, the accessible drinking water would fit in a shot glass. Freshwater reserves only represent 2.53 per cent of the water on Earth. And only 0.3 per cent can be tapped into for drinking water.

The cycle of water

The water cycle shows the continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere. It is a complex system that includes many different processes. Liquid water evaporates into water vapor, condenses to form clouds, and precipitates back to earth in the form of rain and snow – that textbook idea is no longer accurate. Humans intrude on the cycle now: Each year we extract 4,000 cubic kilometers of water, eight times more than a century ago. We consume it in kitchens and bathrooms, factories and power plants; we use it to irrigate our crops. Growing populations and aspirations drive a growing demand for water.

The result is a water gap in an increasing number of places. Humans are using more water than the water cycle can provide, and so we deplete shallow aquifers, and may need to tap into deep ones that will not be renewed in our lifetime. In the process we threaten not only our own health, peace, and well-being, but also the health of ecosystems and wildlife.

How is water used?

In Germany, water is withdrawn for energy supply (44.2%), manufacturing, including mining and industry (26.8%), public water supply (26.8%) and agriculture (2.2%).

Energy production demands substantial water resources.

Germany’s energy sector relies heavily on water resources, primarily for cooling purposes in thermal power plants. This accounts for about 44% of Germany’s total water withdrawals. Despite the ongoing transition to renewable energy sources, water-intensive coal and nuclear power plants still play a significant role in the country’s energy mix. Interestingly, as Germany phases out nuclear power and increases its reliance on renewables, water consumption in the energy sector is expected to decrease, with wind and solar power requiring minimal water for operation.

Industries need water to make everything.

And they often reduce the supply for other uses by polluting it. The paper and chemical industries are big consumers. Coal and nuclear power plants require huge amounts for cooling. Beverages too: A glass of beer takes nearly 300 glasses of water to make.

Domestic water use is relatively stable in Germany.

It rises dramatically as economies develop and varies enormously from country to country. Whereas two billion people still lack any safe supply in their home. In Germany, only about 4% of this water is used for eating and drinking. The majority goes to personal hygiene (36%), toilet flushing (27%), and laundry (12%). People can most readily control that kind of consumption.

Irrigation feeds a growing population.

Irrigated fields have doubled worldwide over the past half-century to 20 percent of all agricultural land. They produce 40 percent of all food—for both humans and livestock. Germany has a temperate climate with generally sufficient rainfall for most agricultural needs. Recent studies suggest that irrigation requirements in Germany might increase due to changing climate conditions, potentially leading to more widespread irrigation practices in the coming years

Water gaps are regional, but they occur now on every continent. And the continents are connected.

The markets for both food and industrial goods are global. Water “embedded” in all those products—the water needed to grow or make them—travels the world. Alfalfa grown in the U.S. is exported to Saudi Arabia, for example. A water gap in one place can affect us all, and the foods and products we consume affect water availability elsewhere. Germany is one of the regions with the highest water loss worldwide.

What can communities and countries around the world do to close the water gap?

The world needs to get water smart. Everyone has a role to play!

Based on the information provided, here are some key actions individuals in Germany can take to address water challenges:

Conserve water at home: Nearly 60% of Germans say they are trying to conserve water due to its impact on nature. Some specific ways to do this include:
- Reducing shower time and water use for personal hygiene (which accounts for 36% of domestic water use)
- Using water-efficient toilets and flushing less frequently (toilet flushing uses 27% of domestic water)
- Running full loads of laundry and using efficient washing machines (laundry accounts for 12% of use)
- Focus on hot water savings: Saving hot water in particular is worth the effort, as it reduces energy consumption and helps both household budgets and the climate.
- Be mindful of water use without being extreme: While conservation is important, excessive saving can lead to water stagnation in pipes, which can negatively impact water quality. A balanced approach is recommended.
When it comes to private consumption, you can also indirectly contribute to the protection of water resources. For example, by buying food from organic farming. Or by opting for sustainably produced products such as recycled paper or textiles made from organic cotton.
Chemicals should not be disposed of by pouring them down the sink, but via the recycling centers of the local authorities.
Washing-up liquids and detergents should be carefully dosed – if the water hardness is low, smaller quantities are sufficient.
Support water reuse initiatives: As Germany implements new EU regulations on water reuse for agriculture, individuals can support and participate in these efforts.
Switch to renewable energy sources: Increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix can significantly reduce this water withdrawal, decrease thermal pollution, increase water quality and combat climate change, which in turn can help prevent exacerbation of water scarcity.
Reduce plastic waste: Individuals can minimize their use of plastic products to help address the pollution of waterways by plastic waste.
Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with local water issues and support government initiatives aimed at sustainable water management and climate adaptation.