The procurement and delivery of water for domestic, commercial, and industrial use, as well as the treatment of wastewater generated by these users, affect the environment. Water procurement can affect the quality and quantity of both surface water and groundwater, cause land subsidence from groundwater overdraft, and destroy habitat. Water delivery systems can destroy habitat and ecosystems from canal and pipeline construction and consume energy for pumping.
Wastewater affects surface water quality and habitats and requires energy to treat.
The employment of water conservation techniques can reduce the environmental effects of water use. Executive Order 12902, Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation, directs all Federal agencies and facilities to improve their water efficiency. Every Federal facility is required to contribute toward agency water use reduction and conservation goals. Heating and Cooling . A study by Denver Water, supplier to Denver, Colorado, determined that 48 percent of the water used by manufacturers is used for heating and cooling purposes.