Water Use in the U.S.
https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/total-water-use
https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/total-water-use
United States Geologic Survey
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Notes From Our Reviewers
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Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy |
Technical Details
Teaching Tips
- One can zoom in on the interactive map by clicking on the counties and zoom out by clicking outside of the counties. The graphics below the pie chart are very helpful as they give background information on the types of water usage appears below the interactive map.
- For more information references to primary literature are provided, as well as additional links to the USGS Water Availability and Use Program if teachers/students want more information.
- An additional USGS site that shows watershed boundaries and aquifers in the U.S. is available
- Water Use visualizer: https://owi.usgs.gov/vizlab/water-use/
- Suggested Citation: Dieter, C.A., Maupin, M.A., Caldwell, R.R., Harris, M.A., Ivahnenko, T.I., Lovelace, J.K., Barber, N.L., and Linsey, K.S., 2018, Estimated use of water in the United States in 2015: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1441, 65 p., [Supersedes USGS Open-File Report 2017–1131.]
About the Content
- This interactive map breaks down the 2015 U.S. water usage for each county and for the country as a whole. Water usage is split between thermoelectric, irrigation, public supply, and industrial. The activity also shows total water usage by state, and some territories.
- The visualization uses 2015 data originally published in 2018 in this report. This report is updated every 5 years.
- Comments from expert scientist: Clearly explains the water use types and sub types in the United States. The interactive piece has a county-level granularity. I would just preface this resource with the fact that the data is from 2015, and published in 2018. A lot can change in 6 years!
About the Pedagogy
- The visuals are clear and will be most engaging for visual learners since there is no audio.
- No teacher's guide is provided, so this activity would be best suited as part of an existing lesson plan.
Technical Details/Ease of Use
- The interactive map visualization is easy to access and understand. There are short instructions provided underneath the map for zooming in and out of the map to get a closer look at individual counties' daily water use.
- The font size in the ranking activity is small and could be difficult for some students to read.
