Estimated use of water in the United States in 2010
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional national inventory and trend estimation (by design analogy, non-clinical)
OpenAlex W4250653356 · doi:10.3133/sir1405
What was done
The U.S. Geological Survey compiled and estimated nationwide water withdrawals across freshwater, saline-water, surface-water, and groundwater sources in the United States for the year 2010, comparing them against revised 2005 baseline estimates.
What was found
Total 2010 US water withdrawals were estimated at approximately 355 billion gallons per day (Bgal/d), a 13 percent decrease from 2005 and the lowest level recorded since before 1970. Freshwater accounted for 306 Bgal/d (86 percent of total) and saline water accounted for 48.3 Bgal/d (14 percent). Fresh surface-water withdrawals were 230 Bgal/d (almost 15 percent less than in 2005), fresh groundwater withdrawals were 76.0 Bgal/d (about 4 percent less than in 2005), and saline surface-water withdrawals were 45.0 Bgal/d (24 percent less than in 2005). Saline groundwater withdrawals (mostly for mining) were 3.29 Bgal/d, up from a revised 2005 estimate of 1.51 Bgal/d (originally reported as 3.02 Bgal/d).
Why it matters
This benchmark assessment documents a notable multi-year contraction in aggregate US water withdrawals across both fresh and saline surface waters.
Limits
As reported in the abstract, data are aggregated national estimates lacking error margins or confidence intervals. Retrospective adjustments (such as the 50 percent correction to 2005 saline groundwater figures) indicate potential estimation uncertainty in sub-sectors.
Cited by
- supports Consumer domestic water usage accounts for approximately 5% of all water use.