← HumanConsumption.Live Freshwater for Food
litres consumed globally
Consumption Rates
Based on an annual estimate of approximately 2,700,000,000,000,000, derived from UN Water / FAO.
225,000,000,000,000
per month
1,685,207,645,976,027
so far this year (est.)
Agriculture accounts for about 70% of global freshwater withdrawals. Livestock production, including feed crops, is especially water-intensive, straining resources in many regions.
Consumption by Region
Key Statistics
Agriculture share
~70%
Of freshwater use
Livestock share
~30%
Of agricultural water
Water per kg beef
~15,400 litres
Water per kg chicken
~4,300 litres
Water per kg vegetables
~300 litres
Water per kg grain
~1,600 litres
Irrigation water
~2.7 trillion m³/year
Groundwater depletion
Severe
In many regions
Aquifer decline
Unsustainable
Globally
Water stress areas
~2 billion people
River systems affected
~60%
Significantly altered
Virtual water exports
Massive
In food trade
Frequently Asked Questions
How many freshwater for food are litres consumed each year?
Based on annual estimates, approximately 2,700,000,000,000,000 freshwater for food are litres consumed globally each year.
How many freshwater for food are litres consumed per day?
Approximately 7,397,260,273,972 freshwater for food are litres consumed per day worldwide, based on an annual estimate of 2,700,000,000,000,000.
How many freshwater for food are litres consumed per second?
Approximately 85,616,438 freshwater for food are litres consumed per second — equivalent to 5,136,986,301 per minute and 308,219,178,082 per hour.
Which region accounts for the largest share of freshwater for food litres consumed?
Asia accounts for approximately 50% of global freshwater for food litres consumed.
Context Beyond the Numbers
Producing 1 kilogram of beef requires approximately 15,400 litres of water, compared to approximately 300 litres for most vegetables.
Agriculture accounts for approximately 70% of global freshwater withdrawals, more than all other human activities combined.
Groundwater aquifers in many agricultural regions are being depleted faster than natural recharge can replenish them.
The Ogallala Aquifer, which supports much of U.S. agriculture, is being depleted approximately 6 times faster than its natural recharge rate.
Approximately 2 billion people live in areas experiencing high water stress, a situation exacerbated by water-intensive agricultural practices.
Plant-based diets require approximately 50% less water than meat-heavy diets, offering a significant lever for reducing agricultural water demand.
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