Work out water per unit produced instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Water intensity is litres consumed per unit produced. Recycling reduces fresh abstraction without reducing process use, so both figures should be reported: total use shows process efficiency, fresh abstraction shows the environmental and cost footprint that regulators and water charges follow.
Water intensity
Litres per unit = water consumed (m3) x 1000 / units produced
Fresh abstraction
Fresh water = total water x (1 - recycled share)
Water abstraction and effluent discharge are usually subject to permits and volumetric limits. Verify consented volumes before changing water balance.
Both, in order: reduce process demand first, then recycle what remains. Recycling a wasteful process locks in the waste and adds treatment cost.
Often not on tariff alone, but adding effluent discharge charges, treatment cost, abstraction limits and supply risk usually changes the answer, particularly in water-stressed regions.