Water Impacts of the Telecommunications Sector

Water systems globally are under increasing stress, with pressures on availability and quality varying significantly by geography and water basin.

As a result, there are growing expectations on companies across all sectors to understand, disclose and manage their water dependencies and impacts.

For most telecommunications network operators, water is not currently experienced as a primary operational risk, and direct water use is generally limited. However, evolving disclosure expectations, increasing scrutiny of supply chain impacts, and the continued expansion of digital infrastructure are creating a need for clearer, evidence‑based understanding of where and under what conditions water issues may become environmentally, socially or financially material for the sector.

To support operators improve understanding of their water usage, this report provides a structured, forward‑looking assessment of water withdrawal, consumption and quality impacts associated with telecommunications activities.