Definition

The water ‘hidden’ in products and services, including in production and the supply chain. Recognising this, water-stressed countries may choose to import certain goods from water-rich countries (such as cotton). 

Further reading
What is Virtual Water? - Water Footprint Calculator [website]
Unfolding the potential of the virtual water concept. What is still under debate? (Antonelli & Sartori, 2015) [journal article]
Trends and environmental impacts of virtual water trade (Mekonnen et al., 2024) [journal article]
Related

embedded water; embodied water; global trade; indirect water; liquid capital; virtual water content; Virtual Water Trade (VWT); water footprint

See also
Agriculture
Globalisation
Water security
Drafted by
Chris Graham
Reviewed by
TBC