The Global Water Tool

The 2010 version of the Global Water Tool (GWT) is now out and available for public use. It includes new and updated data and improved functionalities – making it more meaningful and easier to use. Find out more about the new datasets here.

What does it do?

Compares your company’s water use (including staff presence, industrial use and supply chain) with validated water and sanitation availability information, both on a country and watershed basis – A volumetric measurement of a company’s water use does not accurately reflect water-related impacts or risks. A more realistic picture is painted when water consumption data is compared with water availability and consumption information at the local level.

Calculates water consumption and efficiency – Comparing water consumption data through time can help a company assess improvements in water use efficiency and monitor progress against sustainable policies or goals.

Establishes relative water risks in a company’s portfolio to prioritize action – While an overall water reduction goal is simple, the ability to identify the sites with the highest water risks can allow for the most optimal use of funds to generate the biggest impact. The tool allows companies to focus on the sites requiring the implementation of water management plans and on the suppliers that need support in better managing their water.

Creates key water Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) indicators, inventories, risk and performance metrics – One cannot manage what one does not measure. The Global Water Tool generates output which can be used for internal water management strategies and goal-setting, as well as for external reporting.

Enables effective communications between internal and external stakeholders on water issues – Companies are increasingly expected to report their sustainability performance and commitments. The Global Water Tool generates key water data and easy-to-understand visuals for effective communication to all stakeholders.

How does it Work?

1. The input sheet - Contains the company’s site location (lat/long) and water use information. After entering the company’s water use figures, the sheet automatically provides outputs, including GRI water indicators and downloadable metrics charts that demonstrate the company’s data combined with both the country and watershed figures.

2. The online mapping - Enables companies to plot their sites with external water datasets and download those locations in a map. These datasets provide several key metrics including renewable water resource per capita, mean annual relative water stress index and access to improved sanitation. The tool is connected with Google Earth, which provides spatial viewing of a company’s site locations in relation to detailed geographic information, including surface water. 

Click here for video presentation of the tool.