5.3. USES OF WATER AND WATER MANAGEMENT

Water has a lot of uses:

• Domestic. Personal hygiene or drinking water.
• Agriculture and ranching industry. Irrigation of crops and water for livestock.
• Industrial. Different manufacturing processes and hydroelectric power stations.
• Commercial. Hotels, restaurants, shops, etc.
• Municipal. Cleaning public areas, watering parks and fountains.

It is important to use water responsibly. At home, we can save water in different ways:

• Take a short shower, not a bath.
• Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth.
• Use full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.

Potable water (or drinking water) is water that is safe to drink. It must meet acceptable standards after being treated by the potable water treatment process. Water treatment should remove harmful microorganisms and other contaminants, and leave the water clean and clear.