In recent years, the international football club Internacional has been experiencing a significant increase in its total water usage due to increased demands on their facilities and the consumption of water for training and practice purposes. This is particularly evident in the stadium where they play their home games, which requires extensive renovations to accommodate the new stadium. The use of artificial turf surfaces has also contributed to an increase in water usage.
According to a report by the International Water Institute (IIWI), the average consumption per match at Internacional is around 1,600 cubic meters of water per match, with an average demand of around 2,500 cubic meters per year. This figure has risen significantly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the team's facilities have become overcrowded and their infrastructure has struggled to keep up with the growing demand.
The rise in water usage is not just about the financial impact on the club, but also on the environment. By using more water than is necessary, the club is contributing to global water scarcity and pollution problems. Additionally, the increased demand on water resources can lead to leaks and other issues that could be harmful to the health of players and fans alike.
To address this issue, the International Football Federation (FIFA) has called for the implementation of water conservation measures in international football leagues. FIFA has established guidelines for clubs to reduce water usage during matches and to ensure that stadiums are equipped with adequate storage tanks to handle any excess water that may be used during training sessions or practices.
As a result of these initiatives, the use of artificial turf surfaces and the renovation of the stadium will likely decrease the overall water usage at Internacional. However, it remains to be seen how effective these changes will be in reducing water waste and ensuring sustainability in the long term.