Productivity and Efficiency
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, water efficiency is the smart use of our water resources through water-saving technologies and simple steps. Using water efficiently will help ensure reliable water supplies today and for future generations. Topics addressed in this theme provide insights, lessons, and guidance on how diverse stakeholders are working to improve water management and reduce water use.
Productivity and Efficiency Resources
Serving the Public Interest: Corporate Water Stewardship and Sustainable Development
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July 16, 2021SDG6 for water and sanitation is emerging as a promising framework for action, and for measuring progress toward addressing the global water challenges that create water-related business risk. The management of water resources, development of water supplies and services, and management of...Read more
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GlobalReplenish
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July 16, 2021Earlier this year, the World Economic Forum ranked water crises as a top global risk. The finding is further evidence that businesses are increasingly aware of their water use impacts, water risk exposure, and how water affects their shareholder value. In response, more and more companies are...Read more
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GlobalLiving Blue Planet Report
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July 16, 2021WWF's Living Blue Planet Report takes a deep look at the health of our oceans and the impact of human activity on marine life. Data on marine ecosystems and human impacts upon them is limited, reflecting the lack of attention the ocean has received to date. Nevertheless, the trends shown here...Read more
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GlobalReviving the Oceans Economy: The Case for Action, 2015
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July 16, 2021Reviving the Oceans Economy: The Case for Action, 2015 brings into focus the economic value our oceans represent for this planet, as the future of humanity depends on their healthy living conditions. While figures in the report are a vast underestimation, the economic assets at risk accurately...Read more
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GlobalIndustrial Water Use
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July 21, 2021Industrial withdrawals provide water for such purposes as fabricating, processing, washing, diluting, cooling, or transporting a product; incorporating water into a product; or for sanitation needs within the manufacturing facility. Some industries that use large amounts of water produce such...Read more
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United StatesLivestock Water Use
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July 21, 2021Livestock water use is water associated with livestock watering, feedlots, dairy operations, and other on-farm needs. Livestock includes dairy cows and heifers, beef cattle and calves, sheep and lambs, goats, hogs and pigs, horses, and poultry. Other livestock water uses include cooling of...Read more
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United StatesPesticides and Water Quality
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July 21, 2021Pesticides are used in agriculture, in homes and businesses, on lawns and gardens, along roads, in recreational areas, and on pets and livestock. There are hundreds of different pesticide chemicals in use in the United States. In 2007, about 390 million kilograms (430,000 tons) of pesticides,...Read more
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United StatesPublic Supply Water Use
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July 21, 2021Public supply refers to water withdrawn by public and private water suppliers that provide water to at least 25 people or have a minimum of 15 connections. Public-supply water is delivered to users for domestic, commercial, and industrial purposes. Part of the total is used for public services,...Read more
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United StatesMining Water Use
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July 21, 2021Mining water use is water used for the extraction of minerals that may be in the form of solids, such as coal, iron, sand, and gravel; liquids, such as crude petroleum; and gases, such as natural gas. The category includes quarrying, milling of mined materials, injection of water for secondary oil...Read more
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United StatesThermoelectric Power Water Use
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July 21, 2021This web page provides an overview of USGS's research about thermoelectric power. It includes related research and a collection of data and tools. Water for thermoelectric power is used in the process of generating electricity with steam-driven turbine generators. Since 2000, thermoelectric-...Read more
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