Who pays the water bill?
Why UK food security depends on other people’ water
Published September 2026
70%
of the UK’s water footprint is outside the UK
40%
of that external water footprint is unsustainable
2nd
The UK is the second-largest importer of blue water among the major traders assessed
About the report
A tomato bought in a British supermarket in February did not grow in British soil - and it did not drink British rain.
Who pays the Water Bill? explores the hidden water footprint of the UK’s food supply.
Through evidence and case studies from Morocco, Chile and Kenya, it shows how UK consumption is connected to water scarcity, environmental damage and unequal access to water elsewhere.
The report also sets out practical recommendations for supermarkets, food brands, the UK and Scottish governments, and financial institutions.
Securing fair water footprints in the places that supply UK shelves is not a cost to our food security. It is a precondition for it.
Would you like to speak to one of our team about this report?
