Though water is the most abundant resource on planet Earth, only about 1% of water is considered safe for immediate human consumption. The use of agricultural water makes it possible to grow fruits and vegetables and raise livestock, which is a main part of our diet. January 2015 The US lower 48 states represents 1.9 billion acres. Farmers, ranchers, and foresters depend on clean water for their operations—so as EPA and the Army developed the Clean Water Rule, we listened carefully to concerns from the agricultural community. If you have an interesting farm water fact, please share it in the comments below. Facts and Figures. Yet even on the same continent, water used for irrigation in Spain, Portugal and Greece exceeds 70% of total usage. Presents background facts on water use in agriculture, including a discussion of the special characteristics of water and a global view on irrigated agriculture and water resources. Agriculture is both a victim and a cause of water scarcity. water used for agriculture accounts for less than 1% of human usage. Agriculture, which accounts for 70 percent of water withdrawals worldwide, plays a major role in water pollution. About 98% of U.S. farms are operated by families – individuals, family partnerships or family corporations ( America’s Diverse Family Farms, 2018 Edition ). Source, Overall, 42% of California agriculture uses drip irrigation, 43% flood irrigation and 15% sprinklers. In this Topic. Withdrawals have decreased since 1980 and have stabilized at between 134,000 and 137,000 Mgal/d between 1985 and 2000, and 128,000 in 2005.” Farming began around 10,000 B.C. Industry (including power generation) accounts for 19% and households for 12%. i., No. Additionally, this is when the eight so-called “founder crops” of agriculture appeared: 1) emmer wheat, 2) einkorn wheat, 3) hulled barley, 4) peas, 5) lentils, 6) bitter vetch, 7) chickpeas, and 8) flax. In attempts to fi… ... 36% more food will be produced with 13% more water. Australia’s water budget Agriculture accounts for over 50% of water consumed in Australia It is estimated that, on average, Australia receives 2,789,400 GL of rainfall per year. Increasingly, competition from other sectors of society impacts the availability of clean water. Of that 1.9 billion acres: 778 million acres of private land are used for livestock grazing (for… Today, our society is facing a huge agricultural water problem. "Costs and Consequences: The Real Price of Livestock Grazing on America's Public Lands". Despite its limited supply, there is a widespread tendency to misuse water. Up to 70 % of the water we take from rivers and groundwater goes into irrigation , about 10% is used in domestic applications and 20% in industry. Source, “Five States—California, Nebraska, Texas, Arkansas, and Idaho—accounted for 52 percent of total irrigated acreage.” (2005) Today, that number is more relevant than ever, as 18.8% of the lower 48 U.S. states are currently experiencing drought conditions. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Agriculture is a major user of ground and surface water in the United States, accounting for approximately 80 percent of the Nation's consumptive water use and over 90 percent in many Western States. The agricultural industry is the United States’ largest consumer of water, accounting for 80% of the nation’s consumable water usage. Although the challenges are vast, experts agree that it is indeed possible to create a future in which water resources a nd agriculture represent forces of resilience, rather than vulnerability. Agriculture, which accounts for 70 percent of water withdrawals worldwide, plays a major role in water pollution. The Facts About the Clean Water Rule and Agriculture. According to the International Water Management Institute , agriculture, which accounts for about 70% of global water withdrawals, is constantly competing with domestic, industrial and environmental uses for a scarce water supply. Without water people do not have a means of watering their crops and, therefore, to provide food for the fast growing population. o 7 million cubic miles (2%) is frozen in polar ice caps. External. Source, “Agriculture wastes 60% or 1,500 trillion liters, of the 2,500 trillion liters of water it uses each year.” Irrigation has been a key component of the green revolution that has enabled many developing countries As Arizona’s population grows more treated wastewater will become available. Representing about one-third of all U.S. irrigated agriculture, it creates about $20 billion annually in food and fiber.” Water scarcity is usually associated with limited drinking water, but the global water crisis effects so much more. “Irrigation accounts for the largest use of groundwater in the United States. Products that require water range everywhere from hamburgers to smartphones. Facts and Figures. file_external. “In England where rain is abundant year round, water used for agriculture accounts for less than 1% of human usage.” Source “Agriculture wastes 60% or 1,500 trillion liters, of the 2,500 trillion liters of water it … Acres of irrigated land in the comments below from other sectors of society the... Total usage the United States compound, making up between 50 % and water and agriculture facts of. Water Rule and agriculture Organization of the world, so water scarcity that will Make you Cry a River of... 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