Water is available from surface sources rivers, ponds, and lakes, and from ground water sources called aquifers. Recreation, Hydroelectric Power generation, Nature's Needs, and Transportation are instream uses which means that the water remains in the river. Consequently, very little water is consumed. The water can be reused farther downstream. Mining, Public Supply, Commercial, Domestic, Wastewater Treatment, Agriculture, Thermoelectric Power generation, and Industrial are offstream uses which means that the water is withdrawn from a source such as the river or ground.
Water is used for recreational activities such as boating, rafting, kayaking, swimming, and fishing.
P ower Hydroelectric powerplants use water to generate electricity. Falling water turns the plant's turbine generators. N ature's N eeds Water is necessary to maintain life on our planet. Water supports all forms of life. Water forms and cleans stream and river channels.