Some of the most productive aquaculture farming takes place in wetland areas along coast-
lines. Rivers and streams carry nutrient-rich water into these wetlands, so fish and other
animal life thrives. A good supply of nutrients is important when raising a large community
of plants or animals. We need to be careful about the wastes that are added to our coastal
waters when we increase plant and animal populations in these areas. Aquaculture can be
considered a non-consumptive use of water, as long as we keep our coastal waters in good
condition.
Industrial Water Use
Figure 21.5: Industrial water use: A power plant in Poland sits on the edge of a lake with
easy access to water for cooling and other purposes. ( 8 )
However, industrial water use accounts for an estimated fifteen percent of worldwide water
use. Industries include power plants that use water to cool their equipment, and oil refineries
that use water for chemical processes (Figure 21.5). Industry also uses water in many
manufacturing processes. Looking at water use in a completely different way, hydroelectric
power plants are built along rivers and streams to generate energy. This is a very efficient
way to use water that is also non-consumptive.
Household Use
Starting from when you wake up in the morning, count the ways you use water at home
(Figure21.6). You will need to count the water you drink, water used in cooking, bathing,
flushing toilets, and even gardening. You will be surprised to notice how many times a day
you use water. Have you ever had to go without water? The United States is a developed
country. In developed countries, people use a lot of water each day. People living in lesser