Balance of water footprint using an input–output economic model in semi-arid regions

ABSTRACT This research estimates the water footprint and the share of imported and exported virtual water for each economic product in the input–output (IO) economic model of 2001, 2011, and 2016 based on top-down approach in Iran in the Middle East region. The IO model can quantify the virtual water content of agricultural and industrial products, as well as other services involved with the economy. Based on the findings of this study, the national water footprint (NWF) has increased in economic sectors over the studied years, with the highest footprint in the agricultural sector. Iran has been a net importer of virtual water due to importing more products than exports during 2001 and 2016. In addition, the commercial balance of virtual water has increased over these years. The results show that Iran's NWF is increasing rapidly, while the water footprint per capita and biological water capacity are decreasing. This indicates that the country is experiencing significant water stress due to the excessive and uncontrolled withdrawal of water resources, more than the limits of sustainable development. To address this issue, policymakers need to pay special attention to the virtual water trade in terms of integrated water resources management.