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Water is one of the most important things in our lives. We drink it, cook with it, and use it for cleaning. But did you know that many people waste water every day? Leaving the tap running, taking long showers, and using too much water can be a big problem. Some countries don’t have enough clean water, so we must be careful with how we use it. In this book, we will learn why saving water is important and how small actions can make a big difference.

Water Consumption

Global Water Use

Global water consumption varies significantly depending on the region, level of development, climate conditions, and economic structure. In 2021, the estimated global water consumption was around 4,500 cubic kilometers per year, distributed as follows:

Globally, water consumption can be broken down into three primary sectors:

Agriculture: Accounts for the largest portion of global water use, roughly 70%, mainly for irrigation.

Industry: Uses about 20% of the world's water, including for energy production, manufacturing, and processing.

Domestic: Accounts for the remaining 10%, used in households and by municipalities.

Water Use in Europe

Europe generally has well-managed water resources, but usage varies widely across countries:

Agricultural use is significant in southern Europe (e.g., Spain, Italy), while northern European countries (e.g., Sweden, Finland) use less water for agriculture.

Industrial and domestic uses are more evenly distributed.

Water scarcity is a growing concern in southern Europe, especially in countries like Spain and Italy, which experience more frequent droughts.

Water Use in Estonia

Estonia has relatively abundant freshwater resources due to its large number of lakes and rivers. Water use is spread across:

Industrial sector: The largest user of water in Estonia, mainly for energy production (e.g., oil shale industry).

Domestic use: Water consumption is generally low per capita, partly due to the small population.

Agricultural use: Minor compared to other regions of Europe, as Estonia has a cool, moist climate, and irrigation is less necessary.

Water Use in Portugal

Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, leading to a higher reliance on water resources, especially for:

Agriculture: The country uses a significant amount of water for irrigation, particularly for vineyards, olive groves, and citrus fruits.

Industry and energy: Water is used for energy production (hydropower) and industrial processes.

Domestic consumption: Urban areas like Lisbon and Porto also account for a large share of water use.

Water Use in Turkey

Turkey faces significant regional variation in water availability, with the southeastern parts of the country more prone to drought and water scarcity.

Agriculture: Turkey’s largest water-consuming sector, especially for crops like cotton, tobacco, and cereals.

Industry: The industrial sector uses a substantial amount of water, especially in cities like Istanbul and Ankara.

Domestic: As urbanization grows, so does the demand for domestic water, but the country faces challenges with water quality and infrastructure in rural areas.

sources

FAO: Water in Agriculture

WHO: Water

National Geographic: Water

Global Footprint Network

How Can We Reduce the Usage of Water?

1. Turn off the tap – Don’t let water run while brushing your teeth or washing dishes.

2. Take shorter showers – Less time in the shower saves a lot of water.

3. Fix leaks – A dripping tap wastes a lot of water over time.

4. Use a bucket instead of a hose – When washing a car or watering plants, a bucket uses less water.

5. Collect rainwater – It can be used for watering plants.

6. Use water-efficient appliances – Choose washing machines and dishwashers that save water.