Final answer:
Water consumption is the amount of water used for various human activities, from agriculture and industry to personal household use. The production of everyday items has a heavy water footprint, and though human beings require a minimal amount of water to survive, actual usage is significantly higher in the developed world. Addressing water scarcity involves optimizing water use and exploring new sources and conservation techniques.
Step-by-step explanation:
Water consumption refers to the various ways in which water is used by humans and the quantity required for each use. For instance, the daily activities of an individual living in the developed world can consume large amounts of water. A single tomato requires 3 gallons of water, while the production of 1 kilowatt-hour of electricity in a thermoelectric power plant necessitates 21 gallons. Surprisingly, a loaf of bread and a pound of beef require 150 gallons and 1,600 gallons respectively, illustrating the concept of virtual water used in the production of food.
When considering the water demand of a region, we must account for the needs of the population as well as other factors such as agriculture, industry, and domestic use. The disparity between minimal survival water requirements (approximately 1 gallon per day) and the average Americans daily usage (around 100 gallons) highlights the challenge of water management.
In addressing water scarcity, solutions like conservation techniques and alternative water sourcing for communities without sufficient water supplies are critical. For example, an isolated village next to the ocean that requires a new water source must explore innovative solutions considering their limited resources and location.