ECONOMICS (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Various industrial processes make use of groundwater resources where surface water is limited in quantity but also where quality is important. Industries that withdraw groundwater include manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, energy generation, engineering, and construction.

Detailed explanation-2: -According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), industrial water is used for fabricating, processing, washing, diluting, cooling, or transporting a product. Water is also used by smelting facilities, petroleum refineries, and industries producing chemical products, food, and paper products.

Detailed explanation-3: -Industry, however, tends to consume far less of its water withdrawals. Industry tends to use mainly freshwater, as saltwater is unsuitable for most applications because it corrodes the metal parts used in machinery. By 2025, industry will probably account for 24% of global freshwater withdrawals.

Detailed explanation-4: -Nearly all groundwater withdrawals (97 percent) were from freshwater, predominantly used for irrigation.

Detailed explanation-5: -Groundwater helps to keep our rivers flowing. Groundwater is used for drinking water by close to 50% of the people in the United States, but its largest use is for crop irrigation and agricultural production.