Water use
Encyclopedia
Water use can mean the amount of water used for a given task or for the production of a given quantity of some product or crop. The term "water footprint
" is often used to refer to the amount of water used by a consumer.
World water use has been growing rapidly in the last hundred years (see graph from New Scientist
article). From 1900 to 2000, water use for agriculture
went from about 500 to 2500 cubic kilometers per year, while total use rose from around 600 to more than 3000 cubic kilometres per year. Agriculture uses 70% of water resources.
A daily diet of fruits, vegetables and grains requires more than 1500 litres (396.3 US gal) of water, as compared to 3400 litres (898.2 US gal) needed for a daily diet rich in animal protein. Research by the Cranfield University
calculated the amount of water required to produce various common foods in the United Kingdom:
Water footprint
The water footprint of an individual, community or business is defined as the total volume of freshwater used to produce the goods and services consumed by the individual or community or produced by the business. Water use is measured in water volume consumed and/or polluted per unit of time. A...
" is often used to refer to the amount of water used by a consumer.
World water use has been growing rapidly in the last hundred years (see graph from New Scientist
New Scientist
New Scientist is a weekly non-peer-reviewed English-language international science magazine, which since 1996 has also run a website, covering recent developments in science and technology for a general audience. Founded in 1956, it is published by Reed Business Information Ltd, a subsidiary of...
article). From 1900 to 2000, water use for agriculture
Agriculture
Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain life. Agriculture was the key implement in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that nurtured the...
went from about 500 to 2500 cubic kilometers per year, while total use rose from around 600 to more than 3000 cubic kilometres per year. Agriculture uses 70% of water resources.
A daily diet of fruits, vegetables and grains requires more than 1500 litres (396.3 US gal) of water, as compared to 3400 litres (898.2 US gal) needed for a daily diet rich in animal protein. Research by the Cranfield University
Cranfield University
Cranfield University is a British postgraduate university based on two campuses, with a research-oriented focus. The main campus is at Cranfield, Bedfordshire and the second is the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom based at Shrivenham, Oxfordshire. The main campus is unique in the United...
calculated the amount of water required to produce various common foods in the United Kingdom:
| Product | Amount in Litres | Amount in Gallons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup of tea | 32.4 l | 8.6 US gal |
| 1 imperial pint of beer | 160 l | 42.3 US gal |
| 1 glass of wine | 120 l | 31.7 US gal |
| 1 glass of milk | 200 l | 52.8 US gal |
| 1 kilogram of beef | 15,000 l | 3,962.6 US gal |
| 1 kilogram of poultry | 6,000 l | 1,585.0 US gal |
| 250 grams (8.8 oz) packet of M&M's M&M's M&M's are dragée-like "colorful button-shaped candies" produced by Mars, Incorporated... |
1153 l | 304.6 US gal |
| 575 grams (20.3 oz) jar of Dolmio Dolmio Dolmio is the brand name of a range of pasta sauces made by Mars. They range from jars of sauces to express style packets.Dolmio are the current sponsors of the long running ITV1 magazine show This Morning.-Australia:... pasta sauce |
202 l | 53.4 US gal |