The industrial sector uses an estimated 45% of water in the United States, agriculture accounts for 42% and domestic uses, like drinking and sanitation, account for a mere 13%.

FORBES: The Water-Industrial Complex

So far as the supply of water for domestic purposes is concerned, there is plenty to go around: domestic uses such as drinking, cooking and cleaning make relatively tiny demands on available supplies, and are generally given first call in any case.

ECONOMIST: Economics focus