Water is often described as the most essential element for life on Earth, yet it is a resource we frequently take for granted, especially when it comes to the food we eat. While we may be mindful of turning off the faucet while brushing our teeth or fixing leaky taps, the vast majority of our personal water use is actually hidden in our diets. This “invisible” water, known as virtual water, is used to grow, process, and transport the food we consume every day.

Global freshwater supplies are under increasing strain. With climate change intensifying droughts and depleting aquifers, and population growth driving up demand, water scarcity is becoming one of the defining environmental challenges of our time. Agriculture, often overlooked in daily conversations about conservation, is at the center of this crisis. In fact, an estimated 92 percent of the world’s freshwater use goes toward agricultural production. That means most of our water footprint isn’t from our showers or sinks, but from the food on our plates.

Different foods vary drastically in how much water they require. For instance, it takes approximately 1,850 gallons of water to produce just one pound of beef, compared to as little as thirty-nine gallons for a pound of vegetables. This outsized water footprint from livestock products includes more than the water used for hydration; it also includes the water used to grow feed crops like soy and corn as well as the massive amounts of water necessary for cleaning and processing meat and dairy products.

The water embedded in our food choices is not just a number. It reflects real ecosystems, rivers, and communities that depend on finite freshwater supplies. Yet reducing your personal water footprint doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes. By making thoughtful choices in your diet, you can significantly reduce the demand on global freshwater resources. Here are five ways you can reduce your water footprint:

1. Eat Plant-Based

Swapping meat-based meals for plant-based alternatives, even just a few times a week, can lead to a major reduction in your water footprint. Plant foods like beans, lentils, tofu, and grains require far less water than meat and dairy.

2. Choose Whole Foods over Processed Foods

Highly processed foods not only use more energy but also require more water during manufacturing. Opt for whole fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes when possible.

3. Minimize Food Waste

A staggering amount of water is wasted when food is thrown away. Planning meals, storing food properly, and eating leftovers can help ensure that the water that went into growing that food wasn’t wasted water.

4. Support Sustainable Farmers and Practices

Buying from local or certified sustainable sources supports farming practices that are more water efficient and environmentally responsible. Look for organic or regenerative farms that prioritize soil health and water conservation.

5. Be Selective with High-Water-Use Crops

Some plant foods, like almonds and avocados, are surprisingly water intensive. While these can still be better than meat in terms of overall water use, it helps to consume them in moderation or choose more sustainable alternatives where possible.

When we think about reducing our water use, we often picture shorter showers or installing efficient appliances. While these are important, they only scratch the surface. By reevaluating what we eat, we can make a far more substantial impact, one that ripples out across ecosystems, communities, and generations.

In a world where water scarcity is becoming the new normal, our food choices carry more weight than ever. By making small, conscious adjustments to our diets, we can all help preserve this precious resource. Every bite counts.