Effective October 1, 2012, QUALCOMM Incorporated completed a corporate reorganization in which the assets of certain of its businesses and groups, as well as the stock of certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, were contributed to Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. (QTI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Learn more about these changes

Water Conservation

Using water more efficiently

As water sources around the world become increasingly stressed, we’re acutely aware of the need to treat water as the precious resource it is. We’re conserving water, particularly in California, the home of our headquarters and a state perennially challenged by water scarcity.

Reclaiming Water

We closely monitor water use at our San Diego facilities, and we’re using more reclaimed water than ever as we minimize our use of potable water for irrigation and air conditioning. As we build new buildings and renovate existing facilities, we expect to use more reclaimed water to the extent that local infrastructure allows.

21.2 million fewer gallons of potable water consumed

In 2011, our corporate headquarters used approximately 1 million more gallons of water than 2010—123.6 million gallons compared to 122.6 million gallons. But our use of reclaimed water increased too. By converting our cooling towers to reclaimed water, we were able to actually reduce our overall potable water consumption by 21.2 million gallons.

2011 Water Usage (million gallons)*
2011 Water Usage (million gallons)

*San Diego, CA, facilities only. Water usage that does not come from reclaimed sources is supplied by the City of San Diego, Water Department. Detailed information regarding its water supply can be found on their website.

By diligently treating the reclaimed water we use in our cooling towers, we can use it longer before having to flush the system and refill it. As a result, we saved 18 million gallons of water this year.

Considering our water footprint

As we rely on suppliers to manufacture our chipsets and other products, we are concerned with the adverse impacts that the manufacturing process may have on the environment. Water consumption and its impact on the environment are one area of concern. Therefore, we want our suppliers to be as efficient with their water use as possible. QCT currently requires its manufacturing suppliers to conserve, recycle and reuse water through its Supplier Code of Conduct. We are in the process of further articulating our expectations of suppliers with regard to water and exploring ways that we can work with them to use water more efficiently.