People use water resources in four main ways - for daily use, recreation, energy, and agriculture. Water is used for drinking, washing, and other daily activities by individuals, with the average person in the US using 80-100 gallons per day. Recreational uses include swimming, boating, fishing, and tourism near bodies of water. Water power is harnessed through hydroelectric dams to generate electricity, providing over 20% of the electricity in some states. Agriculture relies on water for irrigation and to meet the needs of livestock, as water is essential for growing crops and raising animals.

1. Water Resources How do people use water resources?

12. Recreation Swimming We can use drinking water to fill up our pools…

13. Recreation Swimming Or swim in bodies of water like lakes and oceans!

14. Recreation People can use large boats… Boating

15. Recreation … or small ones Boating

16. Recreation Fishing People enjoy fishing in lakes, rivers, and streams

17. Recreation Fishing People enjoy fishing in lakes, rivers, and streams

18. Recreation Tourism Tourism is the business of having people visit an area.

19. Recreation Tourism Why might people use water resources for tourism?

20. Recreation Tourism Have you ever visited a location near a body of water?

27. Energy Here is a picture of Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna River. 22% of the electricity in PA is generated from hydroelectric power.