Water and Demand

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International Freshwater Demand Statistics:

While freshwater supply is finite, global water demand doubles every 20 years, at more than twice the rate of human population growth. Pollution and over-extraction in many regions of the world has reduced the ability of water supplies to meet demand. The global average of water demand by sector varies a great deal between regions; for instance, in Africa, agriculture consumes 88% of all water withdrawn for human use, domestic use accounts for 7% and industry for 5%, while in Europe, 54% of water is used in industry, 33% for agriculture and 13% for domestic purposes.

Global Water Demand by Sector:

• 69%-Agriculture (mostly irrigation)

• 23%-Industry

• 8%-Domestic use (household, drinking water, sanitation)

• Agriculture -An enormous amount of water is necessary to produce crops: one to three cubic meters to yield just one kilo of rice and 1,000 tons of water to produce one ton of grain. Poor drainage and irrigation practices have led to the waterlogging and salinization of approximately ten percent of the world's

irrigated lands (FAO).

• Industry -Industrial water demand consists of a wide range of uses, including product processing and small-scale equipment cooling, sanitation, and air conditioning. If not treated properly, industrial waste released into water bodies becomes water pollution.

• Domestic -Domestic water use includes water needed for household purposes such as drinking, food preparation, bathing, washing clothes and dishes, flushing toilets, car washing, and watering lawns and gardens. Indoor water uses tend to be consistent year round, while outdoor uses tend to increase during specific seasons, usually the summer, depending on the type of climate.

Water Saving Technologies: Various water saving techniques used around the world include: rainwater harvesting, grey water usage, drip irrigation, low-flush, and composting toilets.

Part 3 of 6: Earth Day Network Water Fact Sheets