GALLERY: Top 10 Water-Consuming Countries

Oct. 19, 2016
Citing UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education figures, Waterless Co. Inc., manufacturer of no-water urinal systems, recently shared a list of the 10 countries with the largest annual water footprints in the world.

Citing UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education figures, Waterless Co. Inc., manufacturer of no-water urinal systems, recently shared a list of the 10 countries with the largest annual water footprints in the world.

According to Waterless Co., water consumption is increasing around the world, primarily because of:

  • Population growth.
  • Urbanization.
  • Improved quality of life.

"These water-footprint statistics, which indicate water consumption in each country, is the total amount of fresh water used in these countries for home consumption, industrial use, agriculture, livestock, irrigation, etc.," Klaus Reichardt, chief executive officer and founder of Waterless Co., said.

"We must not forget that the delivery, collection, storage, and treatment of water also means more energy (electricity) is necessary in these countries," Reichardt added.

According to Reichardt, as water demand increases, so does the need for power, "and because burning coal is the primary way electricity is generated around the globe, this means more greenhouse-gas emissions into the atmosphere."

Reichardt said there is only one way to address increased demand for water and its impact on power needs and greenhouse gases: "We must reduce water consumption and use water much more efficiently."