Final answer:
The average daily water usage of a person is reported to be 82 gallons, with variations based on individual activities and environmental factors. Production of food and goods also contributes to one's water footprint, and advancements in water-efficient appliances have reduced indoor water use.
Step-by-step explanation:
The average daily water usage of a person, according to the Old Farmers Almanac, is 82 gallons, with a standard deviation of 16 gallons. This figure can be influenced by various factors such as cooking, washing dishes and clothes, flushing the toilet, and bathing. It's important to realize that this number is an average and individual usage may vary.
For perspective, it's interesting to note the relative water consumption of other activities or products. For instance, producing one pound of beef requires a significant amount of water, and similarly, industrial activities such as operating a thermoelectric power plant or producing a ton of steel require large volumes of water. The water footprint of an individual or household can substantially increase based on these types of indirect water use.
Moreover, environmental factors such as climate can affect average outdoor water use, which varies by region. For example, annual outdoor water use can differ drastically, from 13,000 gallons in Waterloo, Canada to 120,400 gallons in Scottsdale, Arizona. Indoor water use has seen a decrease over the years due to the implementation of water-efficient appliances and fixtures. All these aspects contribute to the overall average daily water usage by a person.