The application of water footprint and six-sigma method to reduce the water consumption in an organization

Abstract

The water footprint is the virtual amount of water use related to different activities. Currently, the water scarcity and untreated water are the critical issues that many organizations have to deal with. In this study, the water consumption activities of a public organization are studied and assessed within the context of water footprints. Basically, the consumption in the target organization is categorized into three categories, domestic use, agricultural use and indirect use due to transportation and electricity. The study is not only limited to the blue and green but also grey water footprint as well. In order to efficiently tackle the problem, the six sigma method (DMAIC) was utilized as a guideline to reduce the water footprint systematically. Pareto diagram, types of footprints (blue, green and grey) and a feasibility study were utilized to select the critical sources of water consumption. There are two sources of water consumption identified as the primary target to improve. One is the polluted water caused by the fertilizer used in the experimental farm and another is the indirect water use regarding the fuel consumption of the vehicle fleet. The cause and effect diagram was applied to determine the potential cause which leads to the minimization of water consumption in both categories, water/green and grey water footprint. After the feasibility study was conducted, the results indicate that the fuel consumption in the University vehicle fleet is a potential target that the appropriate measure should be implemented. Another target is the polluted water caused by fertilizer use in the demonstration farm. Afterward, the improvement and control measures were recommended to the organization executives for a further implementation leading to reduce the water consumption and to maintain sustainability. Therefore, the amount of water consumption should be effectively reduced by integrating the method of water footprint and six-sigma.