OAKLAND, CA, April 15, 2015 -- According to a new report published by the Pacific Institute (PI), an independent think tank focused on water issues, data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) shows that total water use in the U.S. declined markedly in all sectors -- agriculture, municipal and industrial, and thermoelectric power -- during the five-year period ending in 2010 (see "USGS report indicates nation's water use at lowest levels"). Further, total water use is now lower than it was in 1970, despite continued population and economic growth.
The PI's new report shows that reductions in water use for thermoelectric power generation -- the single largest use of water in the U.S. -- accounted for nearly two-thirds of the reduction in water use between 2005 and 2010. This represents an important reversal of a 25-year trend of increasing water use to produce energy. In addition, water use for agricultural irrigation was at its lowest level in more than 40 years, even while the number of acres irrigated increased.
The report shows that, from 2005 to 2010, water use per capita in the U.S. declined 17 percent to 1,200 gallons per person per day -- levels not seen since the 1940s and the single largest decline in any five-year period. Moreover, the economic productivity of water, which measures the dollars of Gross Domestic Product per unit of water used, increased by 20 percent during that period to an all-time high of $11.49 per 100 gallons -- an indication that the U.S. produces far more wealth, with less water than at any time in the past.
While these trends reveal overall improvements in the management of the nation's water, the current pace of its use is still not sustainable. Continued population and economic growth, along with the impacts of climate change, will strain the amount of water available for a thirsty nation. "The data suggest that national water use is moving in the right direction, but this doesn't mean the work is done or that existing efforts are sufficient," said lead author Kristina Donnelly. "We must continue to improve water use efficiency in our homes, businesses and on America's farms in order to ensure a sustainable water supply for the nation."
See also:
"New Pacific Institute report reveals impacts of CA drought on hydroelectricity costs"
"Pacific Institute receives grant to help improve CA drought research, solution efforts"
About the Pacific Institute
The Pacific Institute is a nonpartisan research institute that works to create a healthier planet and sustainable communities. Through interdisciplinary research and partnering with stakeholders, the organization produces solutions that advance environmental protection, economic development, and social equity -- in California, nationally and internationally. For more information, visit www.pacinst.org.
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