Water Footprint Expertise Ladder

Below is a 10-level “expertise ladder” for The Water Footprint Assessment Manual, with Key Topics for each rank and Progression checkpoints—what you need to understand or be able to do to move on.

https://waterfootprint.org/resources/TheWaterFootprintAssessmentManual_English.pdf

Level 1: Water Droplet

Level 1: Water Droplet

Rank Explanation

You’re at the very start of your water footprint journey, learning the fundamental idea that water usage is broader than what comes out of the tap.

Key Topics

• What is a Water Footprint? Basic definitions (blue, green, grey in simplest terms).
• The concept of water scarcity and why it matters globally.
• Virtual water and examples of hidden water use in everyday products.

Progression

To reach the next rank, you should be able to:

1. Define what “water footprint” means in your own words.
2. Explain why water scarcity is relevant to everyone.
3. Give an example of how water footprint extends beyond direct household water use.

Level 2: Ripple Adventurer

Level 2: Ripple Adventurer

Rank Explanation