Determination of indirect water consumption and suggestions for cleaner production initiatives for the milk-producing sector in a Brazilian middle-sized dairy farming

Current research measured the indirect water consumption in the milking process in a medium-sized dairy farming in the southwestern region of the state of Bahia, Brazil, to foreground the environmental management of water resources. The environmental impact associated with indirect water consumption throughout milk production (from milking to the moment milk is dispatched) was identified. The water consumption coefficient in the milking sector averaged 3.4 L-1 of milk produced, for 541 L of water consumed and a daily milk production close to 160 L. It should be underscored that professionals who deal with milking and cleaning activities have little or no instruction about the adequate use of water. Cleaner Production (CP) initiatives have been identified. It was proposed to the milking personnel that, if the initiatives are applied properly, they may contribute towards the reduction of water consumption and wastes without affecting either the quality of the final production. These initiatives comprised small and big actions such as staff training and replacement of cleaning equipment and fertilizing irrigation, which may immediately contribute towards the prevention or reduction of wastewater during milking. The qualitative and quantitative interpretation of data would contribute towards CP initiatives that might be implemented at the milking sector in the short, medium and long terms.