GEF

Unit 3  |  Water Use and Human Water Systems 85 is sometimes released into the environment untreated, causing serious problems in downstream communities and ecosystems. Specific cases of severe industrial pollution gain a great deal of attention, but the larger issue remains long-term chronic releases of pollutants such as mercury, lead, asbestos, and oil into water bodies. Businesses, farmers, and governments around the globe are beginning to recognize that using limited water supplies wisely is an indispensable part of their operations. Similarly, individuals are beginning to understand more about the local water and water infrastructure that sustains them every day. Understanding the various uses of water, water infrastructure, and water efficiency help us to develop a more sustainable relationship with this precious resource. 3.6  Unit Review ■■ People use water for agriculture, domestic use, and indus- try. Water managers are researching and promoting water efficiency in order to use the least amount of water possible to meet these important needs. ■■ Dams are an important part of our water infrastructure. While dams provide many benefits, they also cause harm to ecosystems and human communities. ■■ Globally, agriculture is the largest user of water, threaten- ing fragile groundwater supplies. ■■ Household water represents a small but vital portion of water use. In developed countries, centralized water systems have improved water quality and treatment and bettered human health. ■■ Industrial water use is a large and growing part of global water demand. Water reuse and conservation have improved the efficiency of industrial use in many developed countries.