The shortage of fresh water is the biggest concern of the recent era, and soon in the next centuries the whole world would be seeking water resources, as it is currently seeking fuel and hydrocarbon reserves. Any country consumes water in many ways, being used for industrial purposes, domestic use, agriculture and electricity generation. The entire economy of a country directly or indirectly depends on water resources. In this selection the 10 countries that most consume water in the world are highlighted. These are the countries that have the highest rate of water consumption on the planet, annual consumption figures predict their consumption patterns. Source: ethnicityology.com
10. NIGERIA
Nigeria covers an area of around 200,000 square kilometers with a population of 160 million. The country consumes a rate of 157.366 million cubic meters of water per year. The nation has two large river water supply systems, the Chad and Niger-Benue system, which is mainly used to meet consumer demands.
9. JAPAN
The history of Japan showed many years of water shortages, which was the corollary to huge demand for water supply. The increase in consumption, therefore, is a significant factor.
8. MEXICO
The country’s water resources are under stress, and Mexico is eighth in this selection of the 10 countries that consume the most water in the world. And it has the consumption rate of 197,425 million cubic meters annually. Mexico is facing serious threats to its economy to meet growing demand from each sector.
7. PAKISTAN
Excessive waste of fresh water, global warming, and drastic climate changes have affected the state’s total reserves. However, the country is experiencing increased consumption due to population increase. The sum of the total used in agriculture and other sector is estimated to be 199.429 million cubic meters per year. With fewer dams and glaciers melting, the country has serious concerns for the next few years.
6. INDONESIA
The volcanic island of Southeast Asia, Indonesia, consumes around 232,239 million cubic meters per year, and numbers are expected to double by 2017. The country has almost 6% of the world’s water which is by far unable to meet the consumption.
5. RUSSIA
By land, Russia is the largest state located on the borders of Europe and Asia. And it has the population of 143 million people and the state consumes around 270.490 million cubic meters of water per year. Russia is a landlocked state, with most of its freshwater reserves completely frozen due to harsh weather conditions. The Russian Water Association, however, has developed new policies to meet demand at the time of need.
4. BRAZIL
Brazil, the South American state is fourth in this selection, out of the 10 countries that consume the most water in the world, and the numbers of 355.374 million cubic meters a year, clearly indicate the fact. To meet the demand for fresh water in the country, Brazil has the water management system that has taken many initiatives, including the renewable water program. However, there is evidence pointing out that the largest city in Brazil is under the drought period for consecutive years that needs extra attention.
3. U.S.
The United States consumes around 821,354 million cubic meters annually, and is third in this selection. The country has the widespread industrial network that consumes half of the water, while the rest of the used for domestic purposes offering ample amount of fresh water to the citizens. And it has 4.5% of the world’s population, while the country has 8% of the world’s total freshwater resources.
2. INDIA
India, the nation of more than 1.252 billion people, is the second most populous country . Its average annual water consumption is 1,144,605 million cubic meters. The country has some major rivers that are meeting the demand for fresh water. In addition, the country has built a large number of dams, which reserve ample amount per year to offer the agricultural sector.
1. CHINA
China is the most populous country on the planet, with more than 1.357 billion people. Therefore, it requires large supply of fresh water. And thus it consumes 1,368,009 million cubic meters per year according to recent numbers. But, the geographical position and national conservation strategies, can make the country able to reserve large amount, which can meet the current needs. Water is more widely used in the industrial and agricultural sector, as the country has a large number of agricultural land, with China leading position in this selection of the 10 most water-consuming countries in the world.
