Water footprint analysis as an indicator of sustainability in nonconventional drinking water treatment systems

Abstract

The impact of multiple-stage filtration (MSF) was determined in two study systems. Water footprint (WF) was estimated with all its components and their results allowed the identification of those responsible for the environmental impact associated with drinking water production. Climatic conditions of high and low precipitation and socio-cultural context were considered. Results showed technical shortcomings, such as the presence of fissures that generate losses and the contribution of polluting substances in the effluent from filter washing. Socio-economic limitations increase the WF. Water management can be improved by studying the WF components and their relationships with the socio-cultural component.

Keywords

• water footprint
• rural water supply systems
• colombian andean basin
• non-conventional drinking water treatment systems and multiple-stage filtration-MSF