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Agriculture, Thermoelectric Power generation, and Industrial are offstream uses which means that the water is withdrawn from a source such as the river or ground.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. It surrounds and supports life in streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Nature's Needs include wetland communities, stream habitats, and fish reproduction. T ransportation Water provides a means for transporting goods and materials. Many rivers in the United States serve as major transportation networks.