At Agrow, we design and implement water compensation projects that create a tangible impact on both the environment and local communities. Through sustainable solutions such as watershed restoration, aquifer recharge, and the implementation of efficient technologies we help companies rebalance their water footprint and move toward water neutrality. Our projects not only improve the availability and quality of water resources but also strengthen ESG compliance, prevent water-related risks, and promote responsible water management based on verifiable results.
What is a Water Replenishment project or a water project?
A water compensation project is an initiative designed to balance the impact of a company’s or organization’s water use. These projects go beyond simply reducing consumption —they aim to return water to the environment through concrete actions such as watershed restoration, aquifer recharge, or improving access to water in vulnerable communities. In other words, they represent an advanced approach to water stewardship, generating a positive impact both environmentally and socially.
From reduction to Water Replenishment
Some companies set medium-term goals to achieve water neutrality. Along this path, many organizations start by reducing their internal water consumption —by optimizing processes, installing efficient technologies, or raising awareness among their teams. However, while this stage is essential, it is not sufficient to reach full water neutrality.
This is where replenishment or compensation projects come into play —initiatives that allow companies to “give back” the water they’ve used to the environment through actions such as:
- Optimization of irrigation in water-stressed watershed areas
- Restoration of natural infiltration areas.
- Reforestation of key areas essential to the water cycle.
- Installation of water harvesting and filtration systems.
- Improvement of water access and sanitation in underserved communities.
These projects ensure a positive balance between water withdrawal and return, helping preserve aquifers, ecosystems, and guaranteeing water access in critical contexts.
Why is reduction not enough?
Reducing water consumption is the first step, but it does not solve the water imbalance in areas where business activity has the greatest impact. Water Replenishment allows direct action in those regions, restoring what has been degraded and generating tangible benefits.
🔁 Reduce = internal optimization
💧 Replenish = external regeneration
At Agrow, we help companies move from efficiency to full commitment to Water Stewardship.
Sustainable strategies for Water Replenishment
Companies aiming to achieve water neutrality generally need to go beyond consumption reduction —they must implement sustainable strategies that enable them to replenish the water used in their operations. These actions not only benefit the environment but also create social value and strengthen corporate commitment to the SDGs. Below, we explore some of the most effective solutions:
Nature-based Solutions (NBS)
Nature-based Solutions are interventions grounded in the principles by which nature operates, leveraging the services it provides. These strategies, in addition to being highly effective, promote biodiversity and generate collateral benefits for communities.
Some examples of NbS include:
– Conservation of wetlands and riparian zones.
– Reforestation of watersheds to enhance water infiltration.
– Regenerative agriculture to retain water in the soil.
At Agrow, we prioritize these types of solutions because they combine water efficiency, climate resilience, and low maintenance costs.
Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR)
Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is a technique that allows water to be safely and controlledly returned to underground systems. It involves infiltrating treated water or rainwater through trenches, wells, or retention structures to increase water availability in the subsurface.
This type of project is especially useful in regions with high water extraction or risk of salinization.
Watershed and ecosystem restoration
Restoring the health of a watershed is one of the most effective ways to generate a positive water impact in the long term. Restoration includes actions such as:
– Rehabilitation of natural channels.
– Erosion control and soil recovery.
– Elimination of invasive species.
This approach helps improve water quality, reduce flood risk, and strengthen ecosystem resilience to climate change. These projects are carried out in collaboration with local communities, thereby ensuring a lasting environmental and social impact.
How do we design these projects at Agrow?
Each water compensation project developed by Agrow follows a rigorous methodology based on measurement, local action, and impact monitoring. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions: we tailor each intervention to the characteristics of the watershed, the company's objectives, and the needs of the area.
Water diagnosis and footprint calculation
The first step is always to understand the starting point. We carry out a detailed water diagnosis that includes:
– Calculation of the water footprint (blue, green and grey) and water balance.
– Evaluation of the hydrological context of the basin.
– Identification of critical points, opportunities for improvement and areas of intervention.
To achieve this, we use internationally recognized methodologies such as ISO 14046, AWS, and others, as well as digital measurement tools based on real data. This analysis allows us to define a responsible water management strategy aligned with ESG criteria and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Field implementation alongside farmers and local stakeholders
Once the action plan is defined, we activate the execution phase. We work directly with farmers and local stakeholders to ensure that solutions are implemented efficiently, realistically, and sustainably.
– We install technologies such as sensors, smart irrigation systems, and infiltration structures.
– We introduce regenerative practices such as ground cover and conservation agriculture.
– We support you throughout the entire process with technical advice and training.
This collaborative approach not only improves water stewardship impact but also fosters social cohesion and contributes to rural development. The results are measured, verified, and communicated with full transparency.
Real cases of positive water stewardship impact
At Agrow, we believe that sustainable solutions should be measured by their results. That is why all our projects incorporate verifiable indicators of water stewardship, social, and environmental impact. Below, we present two real cases that demonstrate how water replenishment can generate tangible benefits for companies, communities, and ecosystems alike.
Success Stories
Efficient irrigation with sensors in the Ebro Basin (Zaragoza)
In a region where 92% of the available water is allocated to agriculture, we implemented an irrigation improvement project in collaboration with local farmers. The goal: to reduce inefficient water use through technology and training.
– Humidity and climate sensors were installed to optimize irrigation based on real data.
– AI software was implemented to analyze field conditions, soil, crops, climate, and other factors, providing farmers with recommendations to optimize irrigation and thus save water.
– Farmers participated in workshops on digital tools and efficient water management.
– Se alcanzará un ahorro de 2.000.000 m³ de agua y a beneficiar directamente a 430 personas.
This project is an example of how the combination of data, technology, and technical support can transform water management in agricultural contexts.
Regenerative agriculture and vegetation cover in Toledo
A comprehensive water compensation plan based on regenerative practices is being implemented on a 100-hectare farm located in the Tagus basin, strategic for Spain and Portugal.
We are introducing cover cropping to improve infiltration and reduce runoff.
We are optimizing irrigation and fertilization practices.
– 269,700 m³ of water will be saved, preserving the soil and biodiversity.
Beyond the water impact, this project strengthens the land's resilience against droughts.
We invite you to see all of our success stories
Can your company replenish its water footprint?
Yes, and you don’t need to be a multinational to do so. More and more companies of various sizes and sectors are committing to sustainable water solutions to reduce their impact and generate real benefits in their environment.
Which sectors benefit from water solutions?
Water replenishment solutions are especially relevant for companies operating in water-intensive sectors or with direct impact on watersheds. Some examples include:
– Agri-food: agricultural producers, processors or exporters.
– Industry: beverages, textiles, cosmetics or chemicals.
– Retail and mass consumption: brands that want to strengthen their ESG commitment
– Technology and data centers:where water is required for cooling data centers
– Construction and infrastructure: urban development projects that affect the local water cycle.
If your brand wants to lead in sustainability, there are solutions tailored to each reality.
How to start your own project with Agrow?
At Agrow, we facilitate the entire process so your company can efficiently, traceably, and effectively replenish its water footprint:
- We analyze your case and together we determine the desired objective.
- We identify opportunities for reduction and compensation inside and outside your operations.
- We designed a customized project in the basin where the company operates.
- We execute with local allies and measure the impact.
- You can certify the impact of the project with third parties.
We work so that you can communicate your results with full confidence and comply with international standards such as ISO 14046, AWS, or your own ESG criteria.
Are you ready to replenish your water footprint?
Get in touch with our team and discover how turning water use into an opportunity can benefit your business, your community, and the planet.
Frequently asked questions about water replenishment
What is the difference between water replenishment and reduction?
Reducing water consumption involves optimizing a company's internal processes to use less water. Water replenishment, on the other hand, goes a step further: it consists of executing projects that return to the environment a volume of water equal to or greater than what has been used, either within the same watershed or in a priority area. Both strategies are complementary and form part of responsible water stewardship.
How much does a water replenishment project cost?
There is no fixed price, as the cost depends on multiple factors such as the project's location, the type of intervention (e.g., watershed restoration vs. technology installation), the impact objectives, and the project's scale. At Agrow, we analyze each case individually to offer tailored and efficient solutions.
How long does it take to be executed?
Implementation time can vary depending on the complexity of the project, the environment, and the stakeholders involved. Some projects can be deployed in just a few months, while others, especially those involving ecological restoration or community collaborations, require longer timeframes to ensure lasting impact. In any case, monitoring and measuring results are an integral part of each phase.
Is it possible to certify it internationally?
Yes. At Agrow, we work with recognized standards such as ISO 14046, the Alliance for Water Stewardship Standard (AWS), and quantification methodologies such as Volumetric Water Benefit Accounting (VWBA). This ensures that results are verifiable, traceable, and reportable to investors, stakeholders, and regulatory authorities.