Final answer:
The water requirement per person, per day in a temperate zone for survival is about 1 gallon, but for general use including domestic activities is approximately 100 gallons in a U.S. household. This varies based on lifestyle and environmental factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The water requirement per person, per day in a temperate zone varies significantly depending on various factors, including lifestyle and water use habits. However, it is generally recommended that humans consume about 1 gallon of water per day to maintain proper hydration. Yet, in a U.S. household, a typical person uses approximately 100 gallons per day for all their needs, which includes drinking, cooking, washing, and more. For individuals concerned with their environmental impact or those living in areas with limited water resources, reducing water consumption closer to essential use is important. Factors such as producing food, generating electricity, and manufacturing can increase total water use substantially. For example, the production of one pound of beef requires about 1,600 gallons of water.
When planning for needs such as hiking trips, it is important to consider the potable water necessary for drinking, which is 1 gallon per person per day. This must also be balanced by the water we receive from other sources like food. Taking into consideration the water required for basic survival and general use, the total water requirement can vary from a survival minimum to much higher quantitites based on domestic use and lifestyle.