Thermoelectric power withdrawals by source, 1985-2020
Detailed Description
Time series of thermoelectric power withdrawals from 1985 to 2020 by source (groundwater or surface water) for the lower 48 United States. Combined water use withdrawals include saline and freshwater.
1985-2015: USGS compiled estimates by county; 2020: modeled estimates.
Data availability described in Accessing Water Use Data page.
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.
Related
Accessing Water Use Data
The USGS provides historic and recent water use data for the United States including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This page provides an up-to-date guide to accessing, downloading, and using USGS water use data.
Water Use in the United States
Since 1950, the USGS has regularly produced nationwide water‑use data, creating one of the most comprehensive pictures of how water is used across the United States. Building on this rich historical record, these data give water managers a critical foundation to evaluate long‑term trends, plan strategically, and identify and quantify water availability so they can design more adaptive, resilient...
Thermoelectric Power Water Use
Much of the electricity used in the United States and worldwide comes from thermoelectric power plants, which use water for both steam generation and cooling. Thermoelectric power consumes, or loses water via evaporation, at rates that can be significant—especially in water-stressed regions.
National Water Availability Assessment Data Companion
The National Water Availability Assessment Data Companion (NWDC) delivers model-based estimates of water supply and demand.
Related
Accessing Water Use Data
The USGS provides historic and recent water use data for the United States including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This page provides an up-to-date guide to accessing, downloading, and using USGS water use data.
Water Use in the United States
Since 1950, the USGS has regularly produced nationwide water‑use data, creating one of the most comprehensive pictures of how water is used across the United States. Building on this rich historical record, these data give water managers a critical foundation to evaluate long‑term trends, plan strategically, and identify and quantify water availability so they can design more adaptive, resilient...
Thermoelectric Power Water Use
Much of the electricity used in the United States and worldwide comes from thermoelectric power plants, which use water for both steam generation and cooling. Thermoelectric power consumes, or loses water via evaporation, at rates that can be significant—especially in water-stressed regions.
National Water Availability Assessment Data Companion
The National Water Availability Assessment Data Companion (NWDC) delivers model-based estimates of water supply and demand.