Associate Professor of Batman University (Türkiye)
The Water Footprint Assessment Manual: Setting the Global Standard
Arjen Y. Hoekstra, Ashok K. Chapagain, Maite M. Aldaya, and Mesfin M. Mekonnen (2011)
This pioneering book offers the first comprehensive introduction to the Water Footprint concept and methodology. Widely recognized as the starting point for anyone interested in the topic, the original English edition and its translations are available for download on Arjen Hoekstra’s personal webpage here.
Virtual Water: Tackling the Threat to Our Planet’s Most Precious Resource
J. Anthony (Tony) Allan (2011)
This influential book introduces the concept of “virtual water,” showing how international trade in food and other goods moves hidden flows of water across the globe. It explains how this idea reshapes our understanding of water scarcity and security. The book is a key reference for grasping the links between trade, food security, and water resources.
The Water Footprint of Modern Consumer Society (2nd Edition)
Arjen Y. Hoekstra (2019)
.jpg)
This revised edition reflects the latest research on the history of water footprint thinking, planetary boundaries, and human rights to water. It offers strong and updated insights into how consumers, businesses, and policymakers can reduce water footprints in today’s globalized world.
ISO 14046: Environmental Management — Water Footprint — Principles, Requirements and Guidelines
International Organization for Standardization (2014)
This standard is important because it gives the official international rules for how to study water footprints. It makes sure that results from different studies are consistent, comparable, and scientifically reliable. New readers are directed to ISO 14046 because it is the main reference that connects water footprint assessment with the broader field of life cycle assessment (LCA). Please click here for more information.
Water Footprint Methodology and Its Role in Agricultural Water Management
Abdullah Muratoglu and Muhammed Sungur Demir (2025)
This book chapter introduces Water Footprint methodology and its application in agricultural water management. As the opening chapter of Springer's "Agricultural Water Management" book, it explains how green water (soil moisture), blue water (irrigation), and grey water (pollution dilution) components provide a complete assessment of agricultural water use, making the concept accessible to researchers, water managers, and policymakers.
The chapter's key contribution is quantifying four practical water-saving strategies: deficit irrigation (9.5-38% blue water reduction), mulching (3-18% total water savings), crop pattern optimization (4.5-23% regional water conservation), and irrigation technology upgrades (5-19.3% water footprint decrease). These evidence-based benchmarks help decision-makers balance water conservation with crop productivity. The full chapter is available here.
