The inexorable rise in demand for water to grow food, supply industries, and sustain urban and rural populations has led to a growing scarcity of freshwater in many parts of the world.

It is quite likely that after tax audits and mandatory corporate social responsibility norms, the Government of India is planning to introduce water audits and yearly water footprint disclosures in annual reports as a mandatory feature for companies. This move aims to encourage companies registered in India to adopt the best international practices on water use efficiency.

The Government of India will make it mandatory for companies to disclose the volume of fresh water used in their production activities and the volume of recycled water used per year. Comprehensive water audits and water footprints will become recurring features of industrial activity.

Many companies are already adopting water audits and water conservation as part of their work culture at their respective manufacturing units. Making water auditing and the disclosure of water footprints mandatory in annual reports will significantly enhance corporate India's accountability towards reducing fresh water wastage.