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Although sufficient precipitation occurs within the United States to cover the entire country with water to a depth of thirty inches, unequal distribution of precipitation and water demand results in supply problems. This is particularly true in the more arid western states. Nevada, in fact, has the dubious distinction of being the driest state in the entire nation.
Of the thirty inches of precipitation (called the “Water Budget”), 21 inches returns to the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration from plants. Precipitation added to surface water flow (such as rivers) that
Of the thirty inches of precipitation (called the “Water Budget”), 21 inches returns to the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration from plants. Precipitation added to surface water flow (such as rivers) that
In the past few decades, while the U.S. Population has grown by a little over fifty percent, water use has tripled. Average consumption per person per day is approximately 75 to 80 gallons. However, as illustrated in the pie chart below, much of the use is non-consumptive , which means the water used eventually returns to ground or surface water supplies (usually passing first through a waste water treatment facility or a household septic system.
Water budget:
In contrast, most water used for agricultural purposes (irrigation) is consumptive, with evaporation and transpiration returning a large portion of the water to the atmosphere, rather than to ground or surface water supplies.
ultimately returns to the oceans accounts for about 8.9 inches annually. Only about 1/10 of an inch of precipitation infiltrates into the ground to become part of the groundwater we tap for drinking water supplies!
Industry withdraws a large amount of water from ground and surface waters, but many of the uses are non-consumptive (for example, cooling, or generation of hydroelectic power).
Industry withdraws a large amount of water from ground and surface waters, but many of the uses are non-
Typical Household
Water Consumption
Water Consumption
