MEDCs use up to what percentage of their water for industry on average?

MEDCs use up to what percentage of their water for industry on average?

• A. 8%
• B. 59%
• C. 40%
• D. 22%

Answer: (B)

In MEDCs, a large portion of water withdrawals goes to industry because manufacturing, energy production, and cooling for power plants all require substantial and ongoing water inputs. This high demand for industrial processes tends to push the share of water used by industry up close to the majority of total withdrawals, which is why around 59% is the most representative figure. A much smaller share would imply industry isn’t a major user, which isn’t accurate for developed economies with significant industrial activity; a mid-range like 40% understates the heavy industrial water use; and 22% would also understate the substantial water needs of industry in these regions.

In MEDCs, a large portion of water withdrawals goes to industry because manufacturing, energy production, and cooling for power plants all require substantial and ongoing water inputs. This high demand for industrial processes tends to push the share of water used by industry up close to the majority of total withdrawals, which is why around 59% is the most representative figure. A much smaller share would imply industry isn’t a major user, which isn’t accurate for developed economies with significant industrial activity; a mid-range like 40% understates the heavy industrial water use; and 22% would also understate the substantial water needs of industry in these regions.