Assessment of Blue Water Footprint in Dairy Farming in the northern region of Paraná, Brazil

Abstract

This study investigates the blue water footprint of milk production in the northern region of Paraná, Brazil, focusing on water consumption in dairy cattle farms. Despite Brazil's significant position in global milk production, the country lacks robust initiatives addressing water footprint concerns within its dairy sector. Thirteen dairy farms were assessed to determine water consumption patterns, revealing an average water footprint of 45.48 (L kg-1 ECM of milk year-1), encompassing direct water use for animal drinking and washing dairy machinery. Notably, the proportion of water allocated for services, predominantly milking and cleaning, contributed significantly to water wastage, representing 68% of the total water footprint. Correlation analyses showcased a negative relationship between milk productivity and water footprint values, highlighting the potential for increased productivity to reduce water consumption. Additionally, no significant difference was found in water footprint values between manual and mechanical milking methods, emphasizing the adaptability of smaller-scale farming approaches in aligning with water sustainability principles. Considering the importance of water availability in contextualizing water footprints, this study underscores the need for broader dissemination of the water footprint concept within the dairy sector in Brazil. Implementing strategies to enhance productivity and reduce water consumption, along with fostering awareness and water reuse practices, emerges as crucial steps towards sustainable water management in dairy farming systems.