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20 March 2018 Photo Pexels
Water footprint important but misunderstood indicator
Water footprinting is the future of water conservation
The Water Footprint (WF) of a product, process or person provides an indication of how much fresh water is used, both direct and indirect, to produce a product, drive the process or lead a lifestyle. Although it is a very important indicator it is often misunderstood. Popular media contribute to this misunderstanding as they often use the WF to illustrate the large quantities of water used to produce a product without explaining what the footprint actually means.  

An example is a single kilogram of beef that has an average global WF 15 415 litres. This indeed sounds scary, but when one places it in context, the total WF includes 14 414 litres green water, 550 litres blue water and 451 litres grey water. Green water is the evapotranspiration of precipitation (rain), blue water is the fresh water from dams, rivers and underground sources, while grey water is the amount of fresh water required to dilute polluted water to acceptable levels.

According to Frikkie Maré, a lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State (UFS), the WF concept provides a new look at water conservation and sustainability. “Although the WF is not an indicator of sustainable water use, it is a useful tool to calculate total water demand and is used in the estimation of sustainability. Traditionally, water conservation was focused on the direct water use of individuals (time taken to shower, leaking taps etc.), but the WF now provides a tool to focus attention on total water demand.”

The Water Footprint Network assists individuals with this new trajectory on the water conservation front with the personal water footprint calculator that allows individuals globally to determine their personal water demand through their direct and indirect water usage. Maré believes this can cause the necessary paradigm shift in the aqua status quo by creating awareness among consumers on their total water demand.

With Water Week underway from 17-23 March 2018, UFS students and staff members are urged to make use of the personal water footprint calculator in order to become aware of the real importance of fresh water in our everyday lives.

News Archive

Time is running out for applications for admission at the UFS
2009-11-25

The University of the Free State (UFS) calls on all South African prospective students wishing to study at the UFS in 2010 to submit their applications for admission by no later than 30 November 2009.

The last date for all international students’ applications for 2010 admission was 30 September 2009. All applications received from South African students after the closing date will be considered as late applications and will be handled in a separate process.

Late applications from prospective students will be accepted until 15 January 2010 to accommodate Grade 12 learners who will only receive their results on 7 January 2010.

All South African prospective students who want to apply must pay a non-refundable fee of R150. The duly completed and signed application form must be accompanied by a certified copy of the prospective student’s identity document or passport and a proof of payment of the application fee. The application form of a minor must be signed by his/her parent or guardian. The field of study should be clearly indicated.

The registration of first-time entering first-year students on the Main Campus will be from 19-23 January 2010 in the Callie Human Centre according to a programme.
The registration of senior undergraduate students (that is all students registered at the UFS up until 2009) and postgraduate students will take place from 5-16 January 2010 on a self-service system on the university’s website at www.ufs.ac.za   .

Academic advice for all students during the registration period will be available in the Callie Human Centre and the Multi-Purposes Hall, as well as from the different faculties.
First-time entering first-year students on the Main Campus will be welcomed by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof. Jonathan Jansen, on Friday, 8 January and Saturday, 9 January 2010, at 09:00 in the Callie Human Centre.

At the Qwaqwa Campus late applications will be accepted until 3 February 2010.

The registration of first-time entering first-year and senior students at this campus will be from 18-22 January 2010 in the Multi-Purpose Hall, also according to a programme. First-time entering first-year students will be welcomed on 11 January 2010.

Lectures for all students will commence on 25 January 2010 on both campuses.

Media release
Issued by: Mangaliso Radebe
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2828
Cell: 078 460 3320
E-mail: radebemt.stg@ufs.ac.za  
24 November 2009

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