This guide provides a structured, practice-oriented framework to help geotechnical contractors, designers and project stakeholders to reduce water consumption and manage water-related impacts in alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Recognizing freshwater scarcity, climate-driven hydrological stress and increasing regulatory and client expectations, the guide addresses both across the geotechnical project lifecycle.
Using a “ what– why– how– measure” methodology, the guide characterizes how ground engineering activities interact with surface water, groundwater and supply chains. It highlights the variability of water demand across geotechnical solutions and emphasizes the importance of reducing the use of water through design choices such as nature-based solutions.
Practical methods to eliminate, reduce, reuse and responsibly dispose are presented for all segments of a geotechnical project. The guide also addresses regulatory drivers and discusses risk management related to water.
Finally, the guide outlines measurement approaches and metrics, recommending ISO 14046– aligned water footprint assessments, project- and company-level indicators and integration with established certification schemes (e.g., BREEAM, LEED, Envision). The document serves as a technical reference to support continuous improvement rather than a prescriptive standard.