National Water-Use at Lowest Levels since before 1970

A new report by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) shows water use across the country reached its lowest recorded level in nearly 45 years. Water withdrawals in the United States in 2010 were estimated to be about 355 billion gallons per day (Bgal/d), which was 13 percent less than in 2005. 

 

Water withdrawn for thermoelectric power was the largest use nationally, with the other leading uses being irrigation, public supply and self-supplied industrial water, respectively. Withdrawals declined in each of these categories. USGS reported that most of the savings resulted from reductions in withdrawals for thermoelectric power generation, self-supplied industries and agricultural irrigation. Factors that affect water use include demographics, new manufacturing and cooling-system technologies, economic trends, legal decisions, and climatic fluctuations. 

 

Acting USGS director Suzette Kimball said “By providing data down to the county level, we are able to ensure that water resource managers across the nation have the information necessary to make strong water-use and conservation decisions.” 

The USGS has been tracking water-use statistics and releasing water use estimates every five years since 1950. It is the world’s largest provider of water data and the premier water research agency in the federal government. 

 

Read full report here.