Currently, agricultural uses the most water. Considering different methods of irrigation and
times of day to water crops can improve this situation. Farming, growing crops and raising
livestock uses more than two thirds of the water used by humans globally.
When water is used but not recycled, the water use is called consumptive. That water is lost
to the ecosystem. When excess water is captured or recycled, it is called non-consumptive.
As we move to a more sustainable future, we want to be sure as much of our water use is
non-consumptive as possible.
What is the most important thing for all life on Earth? Not gold or diamonds. It is water!
From the smallest bacteria to the largest trees, all forms of life on Earth depend on water
for survival. As humans, we could not survive for more than a few days without drinking
water or getting water from the foods we eat.
In addition to our basic survival need for water to drink, people also use freshwater for
agriculture, industry and household needs. Across the world, different communities also use
water for many kinds of recreational and environmental activities.
Which human activity uses the most water? Not showers, baths, washing dishes or other
household uses. On average, agriculture uses more than two thirds of the water that humans
use across the world. Industry and household uses average 15% each. Recreational use and
environmental uses average 1% each. (SeeFigure21.1)
Figure 21.1: Proportion of water used for home, industrial, and agricultural purposes across
the world. ( 3 )
Some ways that people use water do not use up the water. When you swim in a lake, you
do not use up the water. The water is still in the lake when you climb out. In some cases,
water can be recycled for reuse. For example, the water you use to brush your teeth or take a
bath can be collected through your household pipes and the sewer system, purified and then