The "Water Footprint" is a measure of the total volume of freshwater used to produce goods and services consumed by an individual, community, or business. It includes direct water use, such as drinking and cooking, as well as indirect use, like the water needed to grow crops or manufacture products. This concept helps to highlight the impact of human activities on water resources. For example, producing a single hamburger can require over 1,800 gallons of water when considering the water needed for raising cattle, growing feed, and processing. Understanding the water footprint can promote more sustainable water use practices.