The major consumptive use of water in most parts of the world is for

The major consumptive use of water in most parts of the world is for irrigation. Irrigation is the major consumptive use of water in most parts of the world; it accounts for about 80% of all water consumed in North America. The consumptive water use is the water removed from the available supplies without return to a water resource system; for example in manufacturing, agriculture, and food preparation that is not returned to a stream, river, or water treatment plant.