Water Use

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) offers you the most comprehensive information about the natural water cycle anywhere, and, our information is available in many languages. Here you can download our water cycle diagrams as well as other educational products to assist you in the classroom or on your own learning adventure!

Humans cannot drink saline water but saline water can be made into freshwater, for which there are many uses. The process is called "desalination", and it is being used more and more around the world to provide people with needed freshwater.

Water is everywhere, which is fortunate for all of humanity, as water is essential for life. Even though water is not always available in the needed quantity and quality for all people everywhere, people have learned to get and use water for all of their water needs, from drinking, cleaning, irrigating crops, producing electricity, and for just having fun.

The U.S. Geological Survey's Water Science School Where anyone of any age can learn all about water.

Learn about water using pictures

Learn what happens at a wastewater treatment plant.

Learn how a long-term leak can waste lots of water.

Find out how salt water can be used, such as energy production and desalination.

Find out where most of the fresh water we use comes from, and what it's used for.

Find out which states use the most water and what they use it for.

Water Questions & Answers Is saline water useful?

Find out how water gets to your home through a public water-supply system.