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.
