Corporate Water Responsibility: Key Strategies for Water Management in Companies

In Spain, water scarcity has become as real an operational risk as energy price volatility. The latest report from the European Environment Agency places 46% of Spain’s industrial GDP within river basins classified as under high water stress, while data from the Spanish Water Supply Association show an accumulated 18% increase in industrial tariffs over the past four years.

In this context, responsible water management is no longer just a reputational gesture but a measurable competitive advantage: companies that monitor their water footprint reduce costs, ensure production continuity during restrictions, and access green financing with margins up to sixty basis points more favorable.

In this article, we will explain what corporate water responsibility is and outline the main keys to effective water management within organizations.

The concept of Corporate Water Responsibility: Much more than saving liters

Corporate water responsibility means measuring, reducing, reusing, and, whenever possible, restoring water resources across the entire value chain. The definition goes beyond simply monitoring cubic meters, as it integrates three footprint components: blue water extracted from rivers and aquifers, green water from rainfall stored in soil, and grey water required to dilute pollutants to legal thresholds.

A truly responsible company does not stop at saving water within its own perimeter: it also addresses the consumption of its agricultural suppliers and, if it sells consumer goods, evaluates product use to avoid “transferring” the problem to the end customer.

What is the regulatory framework for Corporate Water Responsibility?

Spain’s Water Law has incorporated the concept of sustainable extraction, requiring any facility that withdraws water from overexploited underground sources to present a progressive reduction plan. At the same time, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will require, starting in 2026, verified water indicators from all large companies and listed SMEs.

Meanwhile, water authorities have begun implementing smart meters that send real-time hourly data, closing the door to estimations; transparency will be mandatory, and penalties for non-compliance may reach up to 2% of annual revenue.

How to implement a Corporate Water Responsibility system

The first step is to create a comprehensive inventory of water inputs and outputs by installing sensors with at least 1% precision to measure withdrawals, consumption, and effluents. This snapshot makes it possible to assign volumes to the three footprint categories and estimate each production line’s contribution to total consumption.

Next, companies should cross-check the data against water stress indices, such as WRI’s Aqueduct, to prioritize plants located in critical areas. Objectives must be defined using SMART criteria, for example: “Reduce blue water consumption by 15% at the Valladolid plant before Q4 2026.”

With objectives set, a portfolio of solutions can be developed, combining low-cost interventions—such as detecting leaks, adjusting purge systems, and improving cleaning protocols—with higher-impact investments, such as closed-loop reverse osmosis systems or contracts for reclaimed water.

The process concludes with external verification under ISO 14046 and annual disclosure of results, preferably linked to carbon footprint reporting to demonstrate the interdependence between both resources.

Check out our article on how to measure the water footprint in companies for a detailed step-by-step guide.

Key indicators to monitor

Although benchmarks vary by sector, four indicators are commonly found in the dashboards of leading companies:

• Volume of blue water per ton of product, measuring direct pressure on surface and groundwater resources.
• Water cost per unit of revenue, a KPI that translates water efficiency into financial terms.
• Internal reuse ratio vs. external withdrawal, reflecting the circularity of processes.
• Percentage of blue water within the total footprint, signaling dependence on potentially limited sources.

Economic, reputational, and operational benefits of Corporate Water Responsibility

Cost reduction is the most visible effect: each cubic meter reused avoids discharge fees and reduces the energy needed for pumping and heating.

From a reputational standpoint, the company demonstrates resilience to scarcity and strengthens its position with customers and local authorities.

Operationally, companies that track their footprint enter restriction periods with contingency plans, thereby avoiding production shutdowns that can cost millions.

Corporate Water Responsibility: Beyond corporate reputation

In a scenario where competition for water intensifies and regulations become stricter, corporate water responsibility marks the dividing line between future-ready companies and those that will fall behind.

The path begins with a reliable inventory, continues with measurable objectives, and culminates in projects that return water to basins while creating value for shareholders.

Tools such as Manglai’s platform simplify the transition by combining advanced analytics, verification, and reporting, turning water management into a central element of corporate strategy.

FAQs about Corporate Water Responsibility

Is corporate water responsibility limited to the company’s own facilities?

No. In agricultural or food sectors, more than 60% of the impact lies hidden in the supply chain.

What is the cost of an advanced water measurement system?

Investment in an advanced water measurement system ranges between €15,000 and €60,000 and usually pays for itself within 18 months, thanks to simultaneous savings in water and energy.

Are there public funding programs to support corporate water footprint measurement systems?

Yes. Both Spain’s PERTE water cycle digitalization projects and ACCIÓ’s innovation vouchers from the Government of Catalonia cover up to 40% of projects that include sensors and reporting software.