Estimates of water use in the United States indicate that about 410 billion gallons per day (Bgal/d) were withdrawn in 2005 for all categories and summarized in a just released report by the U.S. Geological Survey.

“Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 2005”  reports that this total is slightly less than the estimate for 2000, and about 5% less than total withdrawals in the peak year of 1980. The report shows that the U.S. is using less water than during the peak years of 1975 and 1980, despite a 30% population increase during the same time period.

The declines are generally attributed to more efficient irrigation systems and alternative technologies at power plants.  Noteworthy is that “withdrawals for irrigation in 2005 were 128 Bgal/d, about 8 percent less than in 2000 and approximately equal to estimates of irrigation water use in 1970,” according to the report

About 67% of fresh groundwater withdrawals in 2005 were for irrigation, and 18% were for public supply. More than half of fresh groundwater withdrawals in the United States in 2005 occurred in six States. In California, Texas, Nebraska, Arkansas, and Idaho, most of the fresh groundwater withdrawals were for irrigation. In Florida, 52% of all fresh groundwater withdrawals were for public supply, and 34% were for irrigation.

Roger Greenway, of ENN writes: “The report also underscores the importance of recognizing the limits of the drinking water supplies on which our growing population depends. While public-supply withdrawals have continued to increase overall, per capita use has decreased in many States during recent decades.”