Statewide water usage is about 16 million acre-feet per year, with the majority used for which purpose?

• A. Hydroelectric
• B. Industrial processes
• C. Irrigation
• D. Domestic supply

Answer: (C)

The concept here is that agricultural irrigation consumes the largest share of a state’s water withdrawals. In Texas, vast farming areas and the needs of crops throughout long growing seasons drive very high water use for irrigation, making it the dominant portion of the 16 million acre-feet per year. While water is also used for hydroelectric power, industrial processes, and domestic supply, those uses are smaller in volume compared to irrigation. So the majority of statewide water withdrawals go toward irrigating crops.