Waterless Co. Inc. released the annual water footprint statistics for the top 10 water-using countries in the world.
Water consumption is increasing, primarily due to worldwide population growth; the urbanization of countries around the globe; and an increase in the quality of life. As populations become more urbanized, the demand for water from local utilities increases.
According to published reports by National Water Footprint Accounts, UNESCO-IHE 2011, the top 10 water-using countries include:
- China: 1.5 billion people, 362 trillion gal
- U.S.: 300 million people, 216 trillion gal
- Brazil: 175 million people, 95 trillion gal
- Russia: 143 million people, 71 trillion gal
- Mexico: 100 million people, 53 trillion gal
- India: 1.1 billion people, 30 trillion gal
- England: 60 million people, 20 trillion gal
- France: 60 million people, 20 trillion gal
- Canada: 33 million people, 19 trillion gal
- Australia: 20 million people, 12 trillion gal
"These water footprint statistics, which indicate water consumption in each country, is the total amount of fresh water used in these countries for home consumption, industrial use, agriculture, livestock, irrigation, etc.," said Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co. Inc. "We must not forget that the delivery, collection, storage and treatment of water also means more energy (electricity) is necessary in these countries."
According to Reichardt, as water demand increases, so does the need for power. "Because burning coal is the primary way electricity is generated around the globe, this means more greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere," he said.
To address the worldwide growing thirst for water and its impact on power needs and greenhouse gasses, "we must reduce water consumption and use water much more efficiently," said Reichardt.
Source: Waterless Co. Inc.
