As autumn arrives, many people turn to seasonal drinks like the pumpkin spice latte. The City of Raleigh is reminding residents that water plays a significant role in making these popular beverages.
According to the Water Footprint Network, each person has a “water footprint,” which refers to the amount of water used to produce the goods and services they consume. This includes everyday items such as coffee. Producing one cup of coffee requires about 34 gallons of water, which is roughly half a bathtub’s worth. This water is used throughout various stages, including irrigating coffee plants, washing beans, and drying them.
The process does not end with just the coffee beans. Adding milk, spices for flavoring, and even cleaning equipment like espresso machines all contribute to increasing the total water footprint of a single pumpkin spice latte.
“Every one of us creates something called a water footprint each day. According to the Water Footprint Network, it’s the amount of water used to make the goods and services we consume—for example, a PSL. Simply put, your water footprint matters because water is a limited resource, and we want to protect it for ourselves and future generations.”
“This isn’t to say you shouldn’t drink coffee or avoid pumpkin spice altogether. It’s simply a reminder that water is one of our most precious resources, and it affects us daily. So go ahead, sip that pumpkin hug in a mug—but remember, every drop counts.”
Residents are encouraged to be mindful about their own use by considering how much hidden water goes into daily treats like lattes. For those interested in reducing their household consumption or learning more about sustainable practices at home, additional tips are available on the City of Raleigh’s Water Conservation and Efficiency page.
