Water is essential for every industry on the planet. From agriculture to manufacturing to power generation, every business uses water in one way or another. But here’s the thing: water is a limited resource. And as demand keeps rising, industries must find smart ways to use less of it—and use it better.
1. Agriculture accounts for approximately 70% of global freshwater withdrawals
Why this matters
This one’s a biggie. Agriculture is the largest user of water worldwide. That includes irrigation, livestock watering, and food processing. This stat means that almost three-quarters of all the freshwater we pull from rivers, lakes, and aquifers goes to farms.
That’s a lot of water. And as the global population grows, so does the demand for food—meaning even more pressure on water resources.
How we got here
Much of today’s agricultural systems were built during times when water seemed limitless. Irrigation systems weren’t always designed to be efficient. In many regions, flood irrigation—basically letting water flow freely over crops—is still common. While it’s simple and cheap, it’s also extremely wasteful.
Another issue is water-intensive crops. Take rice, for example. It’s a staple in many diets, but it requires tons of water. Cotton is another culprit, especially in countries with dry climates.
What can farmers do differently?
Thankfully, a lot of change is happening. Here are some practices that can dramatically reduce water use in agriculture:
Drip irrigation
This method delivers water directly to the base of each plant, minimizing waste. It also reduces evaporation and runoff. It’s a little more expensive to install, but the savings over time are well worth it.
Scheduling based on data
Using soil moisture sensors and weather data helps farmers decide exactly when and how much to irrigate. No more guesswork. Just smarter decisions.
Drought-resistant crops
These are varieties bred to grow with less water. While they may have slightly lower yields, they’re perfect for regions facing water shortages.
Mulching
Adding a layer of mulch around crops helps the soil retain moisture. It also keeps the soil cooler and prevents weeds, which compete for water.
Rainwater harvesting
Collecting and storing rainwater during wet seasons can reduce the need for irrigation later. It’s simple, cost-effective, and works well in many climates.
What’s the takeaway?
If agriculture is using 70% of the water, then even small changes in farming practices can lead to massive savings. The goal isn’t to grow less food—it’s to grow smarter.
2. Industrial use accounts for around 19% of global freshwater withdrawals
The scope of industrial water use
Industry includes everything from factories and refineries to food processing plants and paper mills. Water is used for cleaning, cooling, processing, and even as an ingredient in some products.
Nineteen percent may seem small compared to agriculture, but industrial water use often happens in more densely populated areas, putting extra strain on local resources.
Common water-heavy processes
Let’s take a closer look at where water gets used in industry:
- Cooling systems: Power plants, chemical factories, and steel mills need to cool machinery and processes constantly.
- Washing and rinsing: In industries like semiconductors or pharmaceuticals, water must be ultra-pure and used in large quantities.
- Steam generation: Boilers in many manufacturing facilities rely on water to generate steam for heat or energy.
How industries can reduce water use
Reducing industrial water use doesn’t mean reducing productivity. In fact, saving water often goes hand-in-hand with saving energy and reducing costs.
Closed-loop systems
A closed-loop system reuses water instead of discharging it after one use. For example, a cooling system can recirculate the same water through a chiller over and over. It reduces both water and energy bills.
Greywater reuse
Greywater is lightly used water that can be recycled for non-potable uses. Industries can reuse this water for flushing systems or irrigation around their plants.
Employee training
It’s not just about machines—people matter too. Training workers to report leaks, shut off unused systems, and follow water-saving procedures goes a long way.
Water audits
Just like an energy audit, a water audit helps identify where and how water is used—and where it’s being wasted. From there, companies can build a solid strategy.
The bigger picture
Industrial users have the capital, the tech, and the motivation to lead in water conservation. Smart companies know that sustainability isn’t just good for the environment—it’s great for business too.
3. Thermoelectric power plants in the U.S. account for 41% of total water withdrawals
What’s going on here?
This stat might surprise you. Power plants that generate electricity by burning fossil fuels or using nuclear energy rely heavily on water—mainly for cooling. That’s where a massive chunk of U.S. water withdrawals goes.
In fact, thermoelectric plants use more water than agriculture in some U.S. regions. And although not all of it is “consumed” (much of it is returned to the source), the impact on aquatic ecosystems can still be significant.
Cooling types and their impact
There are three main types of cooling systems in power plants:
Once-through cooling
Water is drawn in, used once, then discharged. Simple but highly inefficient. It affects aquatic life and heats up water bodies where it’s dumped.
Recirculating (wet) cooling
Water is reused within the system. It’s more efficient but does lose some water to evaporation.
Dry cooling
Air is used instead of water. It’s much better for water conservation but is more expensive and less efficient in hot climates.
Why this matters for sustainability
Water and energy are closely linked. When you reduce one, you usually reduce the other. But power plants are often older facilities, and retrofitting them with modern cooling technology can be costly.
Still, many new plants are being built with dry cooling or hybrid systems that use less water.
What’s the solution?
For utilities and governments:
- Incentivize dry cooling in new plants
- Retrofit old plants where possible
- Shift to renewables that don’t need water, like wind and solar
For businesses and industries:
- Source power from suppliers that use efficient, low-water technologies
- Install on-site renewables to cut dependence on grid power
4. Water recycling in manufacturing has increased by over 50% since the 1990s
A quiet revolution in manufacturing
Over the past few decades, manufacturing has quietly undergone a transformation—especially when it comes to water use. Back in the 90s, recycling water in factories was a novel idea. Today, it’s practically the norm in most progressive industries.
Why? Because it works. Water recycling not only reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing, it also cuts costs. And when both the planet and your balance sheet benefit, that’s a win-win.
What is water recycling, really?
Water recycling in manufacturing means collecting used water, treating it, and putting it back into the system instead of throwing it away. It’s used for things like:
- Cooling equipment
- Washing parts
- Moving materials
- Flushing systems
This reduces the need for fresh water and decreases wastewater discharge.
Key systems that enable this
Filtration and membrane tech
These systems remove contaminants from used water so it can be reused. Technologies like reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration are becoming more affordable and accessible.
Closed-loop systems
These are designed to keep water inside the system instead of releasing it after each use. They work best in facilities that need consistent water quality.
Smart monitoring
Sensors and AI-powered platforms now help track water flow, quality, and loss in real-time. This kind of insight wasn’t possible a few decades ago, but today it’s helping companies stay efficient and compliant.
How can businesses implement water recycling?
Start small. Identify one process that uses a lot of water and see if the water can be reused or filtered. For example, rinse water from one step can often be reused in another less-sensitive process.
It’s also smart to:
- Invest in modular treatment units
- Train staff on water-conscious operations
- Partner with vendors offering green-certified equipment
Big picture
Recycling water isn’t just about being green anymore—it’s about being smart. The companies that started doing it in the 90s are now leading the pack, and the ones who start today will be tomorrow’s leaders.
5. The textile industry uses about 93 billion cubic meters of water annually
Why fashion drinks so much water
The textile industry is one of the most water-intensive sectors in the world. Every step of producing clothes, from growing cotton to dyeing fabrics, uses massive amounts of water.
That number—93 billion cubic meters—is hard to picture. It’s more than the annual water consumption of Germany and France combined.
Where the water goes
Cotton farming
Cotton is a thirsty crop. Growing just one kilogram of cotton can take more than 10,000 liters of water.
Dyeing and finishing
Dyeing fabrics uses chemicals and water in large volumes. Afterward, the water has to be treated before it’s discharged. In many developing countries, this doesn’t always happen.
Washing and treating
Post-production processes like enzyme washes, bleaching, and softening also guzzle water.
How the industry can do better
Thankfully, some solutions are gaining traction:
Low-water dyes
Some companies are now using dyeing processes that require much less water. These use foam or gas instead of water to carry dye into fabric.
Closed-loop dyeing systems
These systems recycle dye water and keep it in use longer. It also reduces chemical runoff into rivers.
Sustainable fabrics
Switching to materials like organic cotton, hemp, or recycled polyester reduces water demand from the beginning.
What brands and consumers can do
Brands should:
- Audit their suppliers’ water use
- Set water efficiency benchmarks
- Invest in waterless technologies
Consumers can help by buying less, choosing sustainable brands, and supporting companies with transparent water policies.
6. Paper and pulp industries use approximately 10 liters of water to produce a single A4 sheet
Paper’s hidden cost
When you print a document, you probably think about ink and electricity. But behind that sheet of paper is a massive water footprint—around 10 liters per A4 page.
Multiply that by the millions of sheets used daily across the globe, and the water usage quickly adds up.
Where water is used in papermaking
Pulping
Wood is broken down into a slurry, using chemicals and water. This step is extremely water-intensive.
Washing and bleaching
Once the pulp is ready, it’s washed and bleached to improve color and quality. These steps can’t be skipped and require lots of clean water.
Paper formation
Water is used to suspend pulp on a screen where the fibers are aligned. Then, water is squeezed and dried out.
Cleaner practices in modern mills
Closed-loop systems
Modern mills recirculate process water, using filtration to remove fibers and chemicals.
TCF and ECF methods
Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF) and Elemental Chlorine-Free (ECF) processes use safer chemicals, making it easier to treat and reuse water.
Recycled paper
Recycled paper requires far less water to process than virgin pulp. Plus, it reduces pressure on forests.
Action steps for paper-heavy businesses
- Shift to digital documentation wherever possible
- Use printers that support duplex (double-sided) printing by default
- Buy only FSC-certified or recycled paper
- Track and report office printing behavior
7. Semiconductor manufacturing can require up to 8 gallons of ultrapure water per chip
Water in high-tech
Semiconductors are the brains of modern electronics. From phones to cars, everything uses microchips—and making them is incredibly water-intensive.
Each chip may require up to 8 gallons of ultrapure water (UPW), a special kind of water that’s been stripped of almost all impurities.
Why so much water?
Cleaning wafers
Chips are built layer by layer on silicon wafers. After each layer is etched, the wafer must be cleaned thoroughly to remove any particles or residues. Even a tiny speck can ruin a chip.
Rinsing between steps
Fabrication involves hundreds of delicate steps. Water is needed after each one to keep surfaces sterile and defect-free.
Water-saving tech in chip fabs
Cascade rinsing
Instead of dumping rinse water after each use, fabs now use it multiple times in a cascade format—cleaning less-sensitive stages first.
On-site water treatment
Many chip manufacturers have internal systems to purify used water and bring it back to UPW standards. These systems can recycle over 70% of water on-site.
Dry processes
Laser and plasma-based methods are slowly replacing wet processes in certain steps. They require less water and energy.
What the industry is doing
Big tech companies are pledging net-zero water goals. Some facilities already recycle more than 90% of their water. In regions with water stress, this isn’t just good PR—it’s critical for business continuity.
8. Water used in energy production is expected to increase by 85% by 2035
Why this trend is alarming
As global energy demand rises, so does the need for water in power generation. An 85% increase in water use by 2035 is massive—and unsustainable if we don’t act now.
Where water meets energy
Most power plants—coal, nuclear, natural gas—use water for cooling and steam generation. Even biofuels, which sound green, require huge amounts of water to grow crops like corn and sugarcane.
The challenge
- More people = more energy
- More energy = more water
- Water is already in short supply in many areas
This cycle creates stress on both systems.
The solution: decoupling water from energy
Solar and wind
These renewable sources don’t need water to generate power. As they grow, they ease pressure on water systems.
Geothermal with closed loops
Geothermal energy does use water, but closed-loop systems reduce losses and impact.
Hydrogen from electrolysis
Producing hydrogen using solar-powered electrolysis uses less water than traditional methods and avoids fossil fuels.
What governments and businesses can do
- Invest in dry-cooled plants for areas with water stress
- Expand solar and wind with strong infrastructure
- Push policies that connect energy planning with water strategy
9. U.S. petroleum refining uses over 1.5 billion gallons of water per day
Breaking down the number
That’s enough water to fill over 2,000 Olympic-size swimming pools—every day. Petroleum refining is an extremely water-heavy process, used for cooling, steam generation, and chemical reactions.
Where water is used in refining
- Desalting crude oil
- Steam stripping and cracking
- Product cooling and transport
- Boiler feedwater
Each step involves large volumes of water, often at very high temperatures.
Environmental impact
Refineries are often located near water bodies. Discharges—if not properly treated—can affect aquatic ecosystems. Regulations exist, but enforcement varies.
Cutting down water use
Reuse and recycling
Refineries are increasingly using treated wastewater from municipal sources instead of fresh water.
Process optimization
Upgrading heat exchangers and improving steam systems can reduce water intensity significantly.
Advanced treatment
New tech like forward osmosis and membrane bioreactors help treat refinery wastewater for reuse.
10. Only about 10% of the water used by industries globally is treated and reused
The missed opportunity
Despite all the innovation out there, only a tenth of industrial water gets treated and reused globally. That means 90% is simply discharged after one use—often into the environment.
This isn’t just wasteful—it’s risky. Water scarcity, regulations, and rising costs make this practice unsustainable.
Why reuse rates are so low
- Upfront costs for treatment equipment
- Lack of technical expertise
- Weak enforcement of water laws
- Old infrastructure
What needs to change
Education and training
Companies need to know what’s possible. Many don’t reuse water because they don’t understand how.
Incentives
Tax breaks, grants, or credits can make water recycling projects more attractive.
Regulation
Governments should require industries to meet minimum water reuse targets, just like they do with emissions.
Partnerships
Working with local utilities, universities, or water tech firms can help smaller businesses get access to affordable solutions.
11. Cooling systems in industries consume about 40% of total industrial water use
The hidden drain
Cooling may seem like a background activity in factories, but it’s one of the biggest drains on water. Whether it’s cooling engines, machines, furnaces, or reactors—cooling systems account for about 40% of all the water used in industrial settings.
This is a huge chunk, and that makes it a perfect area to target for conservation.
How cooling systems work
Cooling systems move heat from equipment and processes to keep everything running smoothly. There are two main types:
Once-through cooling
Cold water is pulled in, used once to absorb heat, and then discharged. It’s simple, but very inefficient and environmentally harmful.
Recirculating cooling
Water is circulated through cooling towers or heat exchangers, allowing it to be reused. Some is lost to evaporation, but it’s far more efficient.
Where industries go wrong
- Poor maintenance causes leaks and fouling
- Using fresh water instead of recycled sources
- Oversizing systems “just to be safe”
- Ignoring automation and data monitoring
How to optimize cooling water use
Invest in automation
Sensors and IoT devices can monitor temperature, flow, and performance in real time. This helps detect overuse and faults early.
Switch to closed-loop systems
Even though more complex, these systems drastically reduce water waste. It’s a solid long-term investment.
Use alternative water sources
Treated wastewater, stormwater, or even seawater (where possible) can replace fresh water in many industrial cooling systems.
Prevent scaling and biofouling
Regular chemical treatment and physical cleaning help keep systems running efficiently. Dirty systems waste water and energy.
12. Breweries have reduced their water usage ratio to as low as 3 liters per liter of beer
A bubbly improvement
Breweries used to be notorious for water waste. It once took 6 to 8 liters of water to produce just 1 liter of beer. But with modern practices, some leading breweries have now cut that down to as low as 3 liters.
That’s a remarkable shift—and it didn’t happen by accident.
Where water goes in brewing
- Mashing and boiling grains
- Wort chilling
- Fermentation
- Cleaning tanks and pipes
- Bottling and packaging
A lot of water also gets used for cleaning, which doesn’t directly contribute to the product.
How breweries cut water use
CIP systems (Clean-in-Place)
These are automated systems that clean tanks and pipelines with minimal water. They’re fast, efficient, and cut down on both water and chemical use.
Water metering and audits
Top breweries track water use at every stage. By knowing where it’s going, they can target the worst offenders.
Reusing rinse water
Final rinse water, which is still fairly clean, can be reused for initial rinses or cleaning floors.
Recovery of water vapor
Some breweries now capture water vapor from boiling processes and condense it back into reusable water.
13. Automotive manufacturing requires around 39,000 gallons of water per car
A surprising stat
Building a single car takes about 39,000 gallons of water. That includes everything from making steel and plastic parts to painting and final rinsing.
Water is used at nearly every stage—both directly and indirectly.
Where it all goes
- Casting and machining components
- Metal surface treatment
- Paint shops
- Cooling systems
- Employee use and maintenance
Painting is one of the biggest water consumers in car plants. The prep, coating, rinsing, and drying stages all use high volumes.
How automakers are reducing their footprint
Dry paint booths
Instead of water, these booths use air or powder to capture paint overspray. This cuts water use and makes disposal easier.
Water recycling systems
Some plants now recycle up to 95% of their process water, thanks to ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis.
Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)
Several car manufacturers are adopting ZLD systems, which treat and reuse all water on-site, leaving no wastewater to discharge.
Green building design
LEED-certified auto plants use rainwater harvesting, low-flow fixtures, and smart landscaping to further cut water use.
14. Food and beverage processing industries contribute to about 30% of industrial water use in the U.S.
Why food uses so much water
The food and beverage industry is thirsty. From dairy plants and meat processors to juice and snack makers, water is used for cleaning, cooling, cooking, and mixing. In the U.S., these industries together account for nearly a third of all industrial water use.
Where water is used
- Washing raw ingredients
- Cooking and boiling
- Pasteurization
- CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems
- Packaging and cooling
Unlike many industries, food processors must meet strict hygiene standards—which means lots of water use is unavoidable. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be optimized.
Smart ways to cut back
Switch to dry cleaning
Sweeping or vacuuming before washing can remove a majority of debris, reducing the need for high-pressure water cleaning.
Water reuse for non-product contact
Cooling and cleaning systems can often run on recycled water, as long as it doesn’t touch the product directly.
Automated systems
Modern sensors can precisely control water flow, temperature, and timing—ensuring no drop is wasted.
Maintenance and inspections
Leaky pipes, dripping valves, and broken nozzles are common water wasters. Regular maintenance fixes that.
15. Steel production can use up to 62,000 gallons of water per ton
The heavy metal problem
Steel is essential for buildings, infrastructure, tools, and transport. But making steel is water-heavy. Each ton can require up to 62,000 gallons of water—mostly for cooling and processing.
That’s a serious environmental cost, especially in regions where water is already scarce.
How water is used in steel plants
- Cooling molten metal
- Descaling (cleaning off impurities)
- Lubrication
- Steam production
- Dust suppression
Some water is reused, but a lot gets lost to evaporation or contamination.
What’s being done to reduce water use
Water loop segregation
By separating clean water from dirty water circuits, steel plants can recycle more efficiently and avoid contamination.
Hybrid cooling systems
These use air and water together to cool hot metal, reducing overall water use without hurting productivity.
Wastewater treatment and reuse
Modern treatment plants inside steel facilities help recycle water to near-original quality.
Process redesign
Some new steelmaking methods, like electric arc furnaces, use less water than traditional blast furnaces.
16. Leading tech companies reuse more than 75% of their industrial water in some facilities
How tech leads the way
Tech companies often operate in areas where water is scarce—places like Arizona, Singapore, and California. That makes water reuse not just an environmental decision, but a business necessity.
Some of the biggest names in tech now reuse over 75% of the water they use in select facilities. That’s a benchmark worth paying attention to.
How they do it
Closed-loop cooling
Data centers reuse water for cooling IT equipment, treating and cycling it over and over to reduce intake.
On-site purification
Companies like Intel and Google treat wastewater on-site using advanced membranes and oxidation, then return it to operations or recharge local aquifers.
Smart sensors
Every drop is tracked. These sensors help monitor usage, detect leaks, and optimize flow in real time.
Why this matters for all industries
You don’t have to be a tech giant to follow their lead. Smaller businesses can:
- Audit their usage
- Retrofit equipment for reuse
- Invest in compact water treatment systems
17. Water-efficient technologies can reduce industrial water usage by up to 40%
The efficiency upside
Modern technology has made it possible for industries to reduce water use dramatically—up to 40%, without changing the product or process output.
That’s not just about saving the planet—it’s about saving money and staying ahead of regulation.
What are water-efficient technologies?
- High-efficiency washers and nozzles
- Advanced filtration systems
- Membrane bioreactors (MBRs)
- Automated leak detection
- Real-time monitoring dashboards
These tools give companies the power to control and minimize water usage with precision.
Who should use them?
- Food manufacturers: Switch to low-flow CIP systems
- Pharma plants: Reuse rinse water with sterilization
- Metal shops: Use dry machining where possible
- Cooling towers: Install conductivity sensors to reduce blowdown
21. Coca-Cola has improved water use efficiency by over 25% since 2010
A global brand, a global responsibility
Coca-Cola is one of the most recognized beverage companies in the world—and also one of the most water-intensive. But over the past decade, it has made impressive strides in improving water efficiency across its bottling plants worldwide.
Since 2010, the company has reduced the amount of water used per liter of beverage produced by more than 25%.
How they did it
Investing in new cleaning technology
Cleaning bottles, equipment, and processing lines used to take a significant amount of water. Coca-Cola invested in advanced CIP (clean-in-place) systems that minimized water use while maintaining strict hygiene.
Recycling process water
Many plants now treat wastewater on-site and reuse it for cooling, cleaning floors, or irrigation around the facility.
Metering and accountability
Each plant is monitored closely. Managers are held accountable for water usage and incentivized to meet reduction targets.
Community partnerships
The company also works with local governments and NGOs to support watershed protection, rainwater harvesting, and reforestation.
What this means for you
If a global operation with over 900 bottling plants can slash its water use by a quarter, any business can find areas for improvement. Start with these steps:
- Set a specific water use ratio goal
- Track it monthly or quarterly
- Reward teams that achieve improvements
- Reinvest savings into more conservation tech
22. Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems are now used by over 15% of large manufacturing plants
What is ZLD?
Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems are designed to ensure that no wastewater leaves a facility. Instead, all water is treated, recovered, and reused, with only solid waste left behind.
More than 15% of large manufacturing plants have now adopted ZLD—a number that’s growing as regulations tighten and water scarcity becomes more serious.
Why ZLD matters
It’s not just about compliance. ZLD systems help companies:
- Eliminate wastewater disposal fees
- Reduce reliance on freshwater
- Strengthen their license to operate in water-scarce regions
- Reclaim valuable materials from wastewater
How ZLD works
- Pretreatment: Remove large particles and oils
- Evaporation: Water is boiled off, leaving behind solids
- Condensation: Steam is captured and condensed back into water
- Crystallization: Remaining waste is turned into solid sludge for disposal
Is it worth the investment?
ZLD systems are not cheap, but the long-term ROI is positive in regions with high water costs or strict discharge regulations. Plus, they future-proof a facility against environmental scrutiny.
Smaller companies can look at partial-ZLD solutions as a stepping stone.
23. Food processing plants can save up to 50% water through CIP (clean-in-place) systems
The hidden water hog
In food processing, cleaning is one of the most water-intensive operations. Tanks, pipes, conveyors, and machinery all need to be cleaned frequently to meet safety standards.
Traditional methods often use more water than needed. But with CIP systems, some plants have cut water use by up to 50%.
What makes CIP different?
CIP systems automate the cleaning process using a loop of water and cleaning agents. It’s:
- Faster
- More precise
- Less wasteful
And it reduces the need for disassembling machinery—saving time and labor, too.
Types of CIP improvements
Recover rinse water
Final rinse water is often clean enough to be reused for the first rinse in the next cycle.
Optimize cycle times
Shorter rinse and wash cycles (with data to back it up) reduce water without affecting cleanliness.
Install flow meters
These help ensure that just the right amount of water is used each time.
Use conductivity sensors
These sensors track detergent concentration, so you don’t waste clean water over-rinsing.
Start small
You don’t need a full overhaul to start benefiting from CIP. Just retrofitting existing lines with sensors and timers can lead to big savings.
24. Over 45% of Fortune 500 companies have water conservation as a top sustainability goal
Big business, bigger responsibility
Sustainability is no longer a niche interest—it’s a core business strategy. Nearly half of all Fortune 500 companies now include water conservation among their top environmental goals.
Why? Because water scarcity is now a financial risk, not just an ethical issue.
How they’re doing it
Public reporting
Many companies are using frameworks like CDP Water Disclosure to report usage and improvement plans.
Dedicated water teams
Some companies have internal “water champions” or cross-functional teams focused on reducing consumption across departments.
Green procurement
Choosing suppliers with strong water conservation practices extends the company’s impact across the value chain.
Site-level metrics
Water intensity is tracked by plant, office, or region—so action can be targeted where it’s needed most.
What SMBs can learn
You don’t need to be a Fortune 500 company to take water seriously. Start by:
- Setting a simple reduction target (e.g., 10% in one year)
- Tracking usage monthly
- Getting leadership involved in reviews
- Sharing wins with employees and customers
25. Electronics manufacturing accounts for over 25% of water use in some Southeast Asian regions
High-tech, high water demand
In parts of Southeast Asia, electronics manufacturing is booming—and so is its thirst for water. In some areas, it now accounts for more than a quarter of all water withdrawals.
This trend is straining local water sources and raising community concerns.
Where water is used
- Cleaning silicon wafers
- Rinsing circuit boards
- Cooling equipment
- Air humidification in cleanrooms
Because the water has to be ultra-pure, treatment and reuse are especially critical.
What companies are doing
Building on-site treatment
Many manufacturers now treat wastewater on-site and recycle it back into production.
Partnering with local governments
To avoid conflict, companies often co-invest in municipal water infrastructure—benefiting both factories and communities.
Redesigning processes
Dry etching, air cooling, and less water-intensive chemistry are helping to reduce demand.
If you’re in electronics
Monitor your supply chain’s water practices, especially if sourcing components from water-stressed regions. Choose vendors that meet ISO water efficiency standards or publish water audits.
26. Cement production uses around 300 liters of water per ton of cement
Cement’s quiet water cost
Cement might not seem like a water-intensive product—but it is. Producing one ton takes about 300 liters of water, mostly for cooling, dust control, and raw material processing.
Multiply that across the global construction boom, and the water demand becomes substantial.
Main water uses
- Raw material washing
- Mill cooling
- Mixing and forming slurry
- Dust suppression
How to save
Recycle cooling water
Closed-loop systems can reduce water use in cooling operations by up to 70%.
Use air instead of water for dust control
Misting systems with minimal water or even dry fog systems can effectively suppress dust.
Optimize slurry preparation
Using less water during mixing (with chemical admixtures) can produce stronger concrete with a smaller water footprint.
Smart building strategies
Encourage your contractors and suppliers to source cement from manufacturers with water-efficient certifications. You can also choose blended cements, which often require less water.
27. Meat processing facilities require 2,500 to 5,000 gallons of water per ton of product
The price of protein
Processing meat takes a huge amount of water. Between 2,500 and 5,000 gallons per ton go into slaughtering, cleaning, chilling, and packaging.
Water is essential for safety and hygiene—but much of it is wasted through inefficient systems.
Where water is used
- Animal washing and slaughter
- Sanitizing equipment and workspaces
- Transport and chilling
- Rendering by-products
How to reduce usage
High-pressure, low-volume sprayers
These systems clean just as effectively but use far less water.
Reuse in non-contact areas
Water used in preliminary rinses or cooling can often be reclaimed for cleaning floors or vehicle wash stations.
Staff training
Simple habits like turning off hoses or fixing leaks promptly can make a massive difference.
Slaughter automation
Automated systems are not only more humane but also more water-efficient.
28. The dairy industry can reduce water usage by 20–30% through membrane filtration systems
What is membrane filtration?
Membrane filtration uses semi-permeable membranes to separate and purify liquids. In dairy, it’s used to filter milk, clean water, and recover product from rinse water.
This technology can cut water usage by up to 30%, while also improving product yield.
Types of membrane systems
- Reverse osmosis (RO): Removes almost all dissolved solids
- Ultrafiltration (UF): Separates large proteins and bacteria
- Nanofiltration (NF): Softens water and removes sugars
Use cases in dairy
- Reclaim rinse water for cleaning
- Recover milk solids from waste streams
- Extend CIP solution life
- Concentrate dairy products for shipping
Pro tip
If you run a dairy facility, consider a pilot system first. Even a small-scale membrane setup can show results in weeks.
29. Industrial water audits can identify savings of 15–25% in typical operations
The power of a water audit
A water audit is a detailed assessment of where water enters, flows through, and exits a facility. Many businesses find that these audits uncover 15–25% savings—just by fixing leaks, optimizing processes, and recovering waste.
What’s in an audit?
- Mapping water inputs and outputs
- Identifying leaks or overuse points
- Reviewing cooling, cleaning, and processing systems
- Measuring wastewater quality and volume
Who should do it?
Ideally, hire a third-party firm or work with your local water utility. Internal audits are possible too, if you have the expertise.
How often?
Once every 2–3 years is a good rhythm—so you catch changes in process, equipment, or staff behavior.
30. Over 80% of industrial firms with water risk assessments have implemented water-saving initiatives
Proof that assessments drive action
The final stat ties it all together: more than 80% of companies that conduct water risk assessments follow up with real conservation measures.
It shows that awareness leads to action. And that action leads to impact.
Why risk assessments matter
These assessments look at:
- Water availability in regions of operation
- Costs and risks of water supply disruptions
- Compliance with local discharge rules
- Reputation risks from poor water management
What happens next
Once companies understand their exposure, they typically:
- Retrofit equipment
- Switch to closed-loop systems
- Launch employee awareness campaigns
- Rework product designs to reduce water demand
The final takeaway
If you want to trigger change in your business, start with a water risk assessment. The numbers don’t lie—companies that assess, act.
Conclusion
Water is the silent engine behind every industry. From the food we eat to the phones in our hands, every product and process relies on this precious resource. But as we’ve seen through these 30 eye-opening statistics, the way industries use water is changing—fast. Companies are moving away from waste and toward smart, sustainable practices that not only save water but also cut costs, reduce risk, and strengthen brand reputation.
