Final answer:
The top uses of freshwater in the U.S. are agriculture, thermoelectric power, public water supply, and industrial applications, in descending order of quantity used.
Step-by-step explanation:
The top four uses of freshwater in the United States, listed from highest use to least use, are for agriculture, thermoelectric power, public water supply, and industrial applications. Agriculture is the largest consumer, utilizing about 70% of the global freshwater supply and an even higher proportion in many developing regions. In more affluent countries, a substantial part of freshwater is used for industrial processes.
The second-largest use is for the generation of thermoelectric power, which involves the use of water as a coolant. The third largest use is the public water supply, which serves residential homes and communities for various daily activities such as drinking, cooking, and bathing. Lastly, industrial water use includes the utilization of water for manufacturing goods and running businesses.