7 best software solutions for water footprint management (ISO 14046)

Measuring the water footprint has become a key step for any organization that wants to manage its water use responsibly and comply with international sustainability standards.

In a context of growing water scarcity and increasing regulatory pressure, companies need tools that can quantify, analyse and reduce their impact based on verifiable data.

Standards such as ISO 14046, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and European ESG (environmental, social and governance) reporting frameworks demand a level of precision that can only be achieved through specialised software.

In this article we compare the main solutions available and explain which criteria to follow when choosing the best software to assess the water footprint of your company or products.

What is the water footprint and why is it important to measure it?

The water footprint quantifies the total volume of water used, both directly and indirectly, by an organization, process or product throughout its life cycle. It is not only about measuring water consumption in litres, but also about considering water quality, local availability and associated environmental impacts. To do so, it distinguishes between blue, green and grey water footprint.

The ISO 14046 standard sets out the methodology for this calculation, integrating the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach defined in ISO 14040 and 14044. This connection allows the water footprint to be understood as an environmental indicator within the complete life cycle of a product, from raw material extraction to end of life.

In practical terms, measuring the water footprint enables companies to:

• Identify critical points of water consumption or pollution.
• Design strategies for water efficiency and circularity.
• Meet ESG reporting requirements or environmental certifications.
• Strengthen corporate reputation among clients and investors.

If you want to explore how LCA is used to assess broader environmental impacts, we recommend reading our article on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): how to evaluate a product's environmental impact.

What criteria should you follow to choose the best water footprint software?

Choosing a water footprint software solution is not just a technical decision, it is a strategic one. The selected tool must ensure methodological consistency, data traceability and ease of implementation.

These are the six essential criteria to consider:

1. Alignment with ISO 14046: the software must follow the principles of this standard, assessing water use, consumption and quality within the life cycle of a product or service.

2. Integration with LCA and other environmental metrics: the water footprint is part of the overall environmental impact. The best tools allow it to be integrated with other indicators such as the carbon footprint, eutrophication potential or energy consumption.

3. Database quality and coverage: reliable datasets are essential for accurate results. The tool should include regionalised impact factors that reflect local water stress.

4. Usability and accessibility: an intuitive interface, guided workflows and clear visualisations are crucial for non-technical teams.

5. Scalability and collaboration: it should allow different departments or subsidiaries to work in parallel on the same projects.

6. Total cost of ownership: this includes licences, maintenance, technical support and the time needed for implementation.

Which is the best software to assess the water footprint?

Water is an increasingly scarce resource, and managing it responsibly has become a business priority. Choosing the right software to assess your water footprint can make the difference between a superficial calculation and a genuinely useful environmental report.

Below we analyse the most relevant tools on the market and explain why Manglai is a very complete alternative, bringing water, climate and life-cycle measurement together in a single environment.

1. Manglai: rigorous, agile water footprint measurement aligned with ISO 14046

Manglai offers a comprehensive solution for assessing the water footprint in line with the main international standards.

Its main advantages include:

• Methodology aligned with ISO 14046 and LCA: it quantifies blue, green and grey water consumption across the life cycle of a product or process.
• Verified databases: it integrates recognised libraries such as Ecoinvent and regional water scarcity factors.
• Results visualisation: dashboards that show consumption, impacts and reduction opportunities.
• Integration with other environmental indicators: it allows the water footprint to be combined with the carbon footprint and other sustainability KPIs.
• Auditable reports: it generates reports ready for verification or ESG disclosure, compatible with CSRD and the EU Taxonomy.

Manglai is well suited to companies looking for a multi-criteria tool that combines technical precision with effective communication.

It is also a consolidated platform: active clients in 70 countries, more than 30,000 users and 25 million tonnes of CO2e managed, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5.

Its practical approach also helps to avoid the risk of greenwashing, offering transparency and traceability.

You can read more about how to communicate results in our article: How to communicate your decarbonization strategy and avoid greenwashing.

2. SimaPro: a scientific benchmark in Life Cycle Assessment

Developed by PRé Sustainability, SimaPro is one of the most recognised tools in the LCA field. It enables water footprint calculation through specific modules based on ISO 14046 and methodologies such as AWARE or the Water Stress Index.

It is an excellent option for environmental consultancies, universities or companies with technical teams, although its learning curve is considerable.

Advantages

• Broad compatibility with databases.
• Analytical depth and methodological transparency.

Considerations:

• Less intuitive interface.
• High licensing and training costs.

3. Quantis Suite 2.0: a corporate and visual approach

Quantis Suite 2.0 offers an experience optimised for multinational companies that want to integrate environmental metrics into their global strategy.

It includes modules for water, carbon and biodiversity footprints, with visual results geared towards corporate reporting.

Advantages:

• Multi-criteria analysis within a single interface.
• Ideal for ESG reporting and stakeholder communication.

Considerations:

• Lower level of customisation for technical sectors.
• Licence available on demand and at a high cost.

4. One Click LCA: simplicity applied to the construction sector

Recognised for its focus on construction and manufacturing, One Click LCA allows the water footprint of materials and processes to be assessed in line with European standards (PEF, EN 15804).

Advantages:

• Sector-specific templates for EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations).
• Direct integration with BIM software.

Considerations:

• Approach oriented to specific sectors.

5. Water Footprint Network tool: an educational, global methodology

The Water Footprint Network (WFN) pioneered the concept of the water footprint. Its online tool allows the blue, green and grey components to be calculated for products and organizations.

Advantages:

• Internationally recognised standard methodology.
• Accessible for universities and small companies.

Considerations:

• Not designed for corporate reporting or integration with other systems.

6. GaBi Water and Life Cycle Suite: technical, detailed analysis

GaBi, by Sphera, offers specific modules for water impact and LCA. It is widely used by large industries and consultancies that require scientific precision and parameter control.

Advantages:

• Comprehensive data coverage.
• Integration with multiple assessment methodologies.

Considerations:

• Technical software that requires specialised training.

7. openLCA: an open-source option for technical profiles

openLCA is a free, open-source alternative for carrying out life cycle assessments, including the water footprint. It is ideal for researchers or companies with a tight budget and in-house technical capabilities.

Advantages:

• Open and adaptable code.
• Compatible with international LCA databases.

Considerations:

• Manual setup and a steep learning curve.

How to start measuring the water footprint in your company?

Starting a water measurement process does not have to be complex if you follow a clear, progressive methodology. In a context where water management has become a key sustainability indicator, companies need tools that allow them to quantify their impact accurately and act accordingly:

1. Define the purpose of the calculation: determine whether the goal is to comply with ISO 14046, improve operational management or produce sustainability reports.

2. Set the scope: decide whether you will measure direct water consumption (internal use) or also indirect consumption (supply chain).

3. Gather the relevant data: include volumes of intake, consumption, discharge, treatment and water quality.

4. Apply regional impact factors: water has a different impact depending on the area. Use up-to-date databases or tools such as Manglai, which already integrates them.

5. Calculate and analyse the results: identify the processes with the greatest water impact and define reduction measures.

6. Communicate the results transparently: present the information with clear, verifiable indicators.

If you want to go beyond the calculation, you can explore how these results feed into Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) strategies or reports under the CSRD.

Technology and responsible water management: the future of sustainability

Water has become a strategic pillar of corporate sustainability. Companies that quantify and reduce their water impact not only comply with regulation, they also improve operational efficiency, reputation and access to green financing.

Choosing the right software makes the difference between a generic calculation and a solid, verifiable water management strategy.

Manglai positions itself as a very complete solution for companies looking to combine methodological rigour, data traceability and real impact, integrating the water footprint within an overall life cycle view.

If you want to measure your water consumption accurately and communicate your progress with credibility, discover the Manglai water footprint module and start assessing it in line with the ISO 14046 standard.

Frequently asked questions about choosing the best water footprint software under ISO 14046

What is the difference between the water footprint and water consumption?

Consumption measures absolute volumes, whereas the water footprint assesses the environmental impacts associated with the use and pollution of water throughout the life cycle.

Is it mandatory to measure the water footprint under ISO 14046?

It is not mandatory, but it is increasingly required in certifications, tenders and ESG reporting.

Can I calculate the water footprint without having all the data?

Yes. Software tools allow initial estimates based on averages or regional factors, which can be refined with real data later on.

Which sectors should prioritise it?

The food, textile, chemical, construction and energy industries are the most water-intensive and therefore benefit most from a structured calculation.

How long does it take to implement a water measurement tool?

It depends on the size of the company and data availability. With Manglai, preliminary results can be obtained within a few weeks.