1.1. CATEGORIES OF WATER USE

GUIDE TO WATER CONSERVATION

1.1. Categories of Water Use

Water is used in almost every aspect of life.  Table 1.1-A summarizes the amounts of water used for various purposes in the United States.

Table 1.1-A.  Uses of Fresh Water (1)

Category	Freshwater Draws MGD	Percent of Freshwater Draws	Consumptive Uses MGD	Percent of Consumptive Uses
Irrigation	137,000	40	76,200	81
Thermoelectric Generation	131,000	39	3,500	4
Industrial & Mining	27,800	8.2	4,500	5
Domestic	25,300	7.5	5,900	6
Commercial	8,300	2.4	900	1
Public Uses & Losses	5,500	1.6	Not quantified as a consumptive use
Livestock	4,500	1.3	3000	30

(1) Solley, W. B., Pierce, R. R., & Perlman, H. A. (1993).  Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 1990.  U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Circular 1081.  Washington, DC: USGS.

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