According to the Water Supplies Department, Hong Kong (6.79 million population) consumed 949 million m³ of fresh water and 235 million m³ of salt water for flushing purposes in 2005. However, the water consumption associated with the production of imported goods was not included. In the case of food, it is estimated that for the production of 1 kg meat and 1 kg of grains and other agricultural food products at least 5 m³ and 1 m³ water are required, respectively. Assume a per capita consumption in Hong Kong of 90 kg meat, 60 kg seafood and 100 kg grains and other foods, respectively.

a)Estimate the total food related water consumption outside the borders of Hong Kong, in million m³ and L/cap.

b)Assuming an annual per capita consumption in China of 30 kg of meat, 5 kg of fish and 220 kg grains and other foods, respectively, estimate the associated water consumption, in m³/cap-year.

c)Compare the results of a) and b) with the local water consumption and discuss some environmental implications of food consumption on water demand.