Human impact on water

Water is used for agricultural purposes (irrigation), by industry (production of goods, and as a cooling and heating agent) and for domestic purposes (drinking, personal hygiene, washing, recreation, etc.).

In Europe as a whole, 53 percent of transported surface water and groundwater is used by industry. Twenty-six percent of it is used for agriculture and only 19 percent for domestic purposes. There is large variability in water abstraction among various economic sectors of European countries .

Water pollution 

Sources of pollution 

Wastewater treatment 

Conflict of interests