"Virtual water (also known as embedded water, embodied water, or hidden water) refers, in the context of trade, to the water used in the production of a good or service."

One interesting point is the reducing water consumption is only half the story. Gary Woodard, at the Sahra Center, talks about the "water-energy nexus": "the idea that it takes water to produce energy, and energy to take advantage of water. That is, supplies of water and power are interdependent".