What is ISO 46001?
ISO 46001 is the international standard for water efficiency management systems. It is the water counterpart to ISO 50001, asking an organization to review its water use, set a baseline, track water performance indicators and improve water efficiency through a continual plan, do, check, act cycle.
What it is
ISO 46001 gives organizations a structured way to manage water use. It covers water review, baselines, indicators, objectives, action plans and monitoring, inside a management system that follows the same high level structure as other ISO management standards.
The standard focuses on water efficiency: using less water for the same output. It asks organizations to identify where water is used, find opportunities such as leak repair, reuse and process changes, and measure whether the actions worked.
Who it applies to / where it is used
ISO 46001 suits any organization that uses significant water: manufacturing and food processing, dairy, hospitals, universities, hotels, airports, data centers and commercial property. It can be used on its own or alongside ISO 14001 and ISO 50001.
How it is measured / what evidence it needs
The standard depends on knowing where water goes. Without a closed water balance, indicators and baselines rest on estimates.
- A water review mapping sources, uses and losses
- A water baseline and water performance indicators
- Sub-metering for significant water uses
- Action plans with measured results
- Internal audit and management review records
How Aqueduct helps
Aqueduct's water balance is the measurement core the standard requires. You run the management system; Aqueduct supplies the evidence.
- A live water balance through aQ WaterGuard: supply in, uses out, unaccounted water visible
- Water baselines and indicators by site, building and process
- Leak and burst detection with plain-language causes
- Verified results of each action, exported through aQ Assurance