An Analysis of Indirect Water Withdrawal and Consumption in Automotive Manufacturing Facilities

Water is a key resource for all life. Recent droughts have also exemplified the importance for manufacturers to understand their impact on water resources. While most manufacturers typically know the amount of water they use in their facilities, they have little knowledge about the indirect effects they have on water resources. In this paper, the indirect impact from electricity use by automakers on water resources is examined. Water withdrawal and consumption from electricity use by hypothetical but representative facilities around the world is quantified and analyzed. The results indicate that the water withdrawal and consumption caused by the use of electricity is larger than the direct water use and consumption in the facilities themselves.