Perspectives: Research and Creative Activities at SIUC, Fall 2003

Drop by Drop: Some Fast Water Facts

[1995 data from the U.S. Geological Survey]

  • Total water withdrawn for use in the United States, per day:
    402 billion gallons

  • Daily total for Illinois:
    20 billion gallons

  • Average domestic use, per capita, nationwide:
    184 gallons

  • State that uses the most water:
    California, 46 billion gallons per day

  • The smallest state, population-wise, among the nation's top 10 water users:
    Idaho, due to irrigation

  • State whose water use dropped the most from 1960 to 1995:
    Pennsylvania, due largely to the decline of the steel industry

  • State whose water use has increased the most since 1980:
    Texas, with increases across all major sectors

  • State that has reduced water use the most since 1980:
    California, thanks largely to better irrigation efficiency

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