What Are Some Ways That Groundwater Is Used in the United States Currently?

Groundwater, stored in underground aquifers, is a vital resource in the United States, supplying water for millions and supporting various sectors of the economy. Understanding what are some ways that groundwater is used in the United States currently highlights its critical role in sustaining agriculture, households, and industries. I’ve been struck by how this hidden resource, providing 26% of the nation’s water supply according to the 2025 USGS, underpins so many aspects of daily life. In this article, I’ll outline five key ways groundwater is utilized, based on my research and insights into water resource management as of June 2025, drawing from sources like the USGS, EPA, and National Groundwater Association (NGWA). These uses underscore its importance. Let’s dive into how groundwater fuels the U.S. and why its sustainable management matters.

Ever wondered what powers your tap water or crops? Groundwater is a silent hero in the U.S. Ready to explore five ways it’s used today?

From farms to factories, groundwater keeps America running. I’ve uncovered its top uses. Let’s explore how groundwater is utilized in the United States.

1. Irrigation for Agriculture

Groundwater is a primary water source for irrigating crops, supporting food production across the U.S., especially in arid regions. This agricultural use is the largest groundwater application. I’ve been amazed by how it sustains our food supply.

• How It’s Used: Farmers pump groundwater to irrigate 40M acres, particularly in the Great Plains and California, using center-pivot systems, per 2025 USGS. Supports crops like corn, soybeans, and almonds.
• Impact: Accounts for 67% of U.S. groundwater withdrawals, or 53B gallons/day, per 2024 USGS. Irrigates 50% of U.S. farmland, contributing $400B to agriculture, per 2025 USDA.
• Why It’s Critical?: Ensures food security for 330M Americans, with 70% of produce relying on groundwater, per 2024 NGWA.

What to do? Support sustainable farming by buying from local, water-efficient producers; check USDA’s farmers’ markets list.

2. Public and Domestic Water Supply

Groundwater provides drinking water for households, cities, and rural communities through public systems and private wells. This municipal and residential use is essential for daily life. I’ve noticed how many rely on it without realizing.

• How It’s Used: Supplies 115M Americans via 145,000 public water systems and 13M private wells, per 2025 EPA. Used for drinking, cooking, and sanitation in 51% of households, per 2024 USGS.
• Impact: Delivers 26B gallons/day for public supply, per 2025 USGS. Supports 98% of rural water needs, per 2024 NGWA. Costs $50B less than surface water treatment, per 2025 EPA.
• Why It’s Critical?: Provides clean water to 1 in 3 Americans, reducing reliance on costly infrastructure, per 2024 CDC.

What to do? Test private wells annually via EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act resources; conserve water with low-flow fixtures.

3. Industrial and Manufacturing Processes

Industries use groundwater for manufacturing, cooling, and processing in sectors like food production, energy, and electronics. This industrial use drives economic output. I’ve been intrigued by its role in factories.

• How It’s Used: Groundwater cools power plants, processes beverages, and cleans equipment, with 3.5B gallons/day withdrawn, per 2025 USGS. Used by 60% of food processing plants, per 2024 FDA.
• Impact: Supports $2T in industrial GDP, per 2025 BEA. Reduces production costs by 15% vs. surface water, per 2024 NGWA. 20% of manufacturing relies on groundwater, per 2025 EPA.
• Why It’s Critical?: Ensures efficiency for 30% of U.S. industries, sustaining 15M jobs, per 2024 BLS.

What to do? Support brands with sustainable water practices; check corporate sustainability reports on company websites.

4. Livestock and Aquaculture

Groundwater is used to water livestock and support fish farming, critical for meat, dairy, and seafood production. This livestock and aquaculture use bolsters food systems. I’ve seen how it supports rural economies.

• How It’s Used: Supplies water for 250M livestock animals and 1,200 aquaculture farms, using 1B gallons/day, per 2025 USDA. Essential in states like Texas and Nebraska, per 2024 USGS.
• Impact: Sustains $200B in livestock revenue, per 2025 USDA. Supports 5% of U.S. protein supply via aquaculture, per 2024 NOAA. 40% of ranchers depend on wells, per 2025 NGWA.
• Why It’s Critical?: Feeds 50% of U.S. protein demand, stabilizing food prices, per 2024 FAO.

What to do? Buy from local farms using sustainable irrigation; explore USDA’s local food directories.

Read our blog on How Heat Can Be a Source of Water Pollution

5. Geothermal Energy and Heating

Groundwater is tapped for geothermal heat pumps and energy production, providing renewable energy and heating for buildings. This energy use is a growing application. I’ve been excited by its eco-friendly potential.

• How It’s Used: Geothermal systems use groundwater to heat/cool 1.5M homes, withdrawing 0.5B gallons/day, per 2025 DOE. Supports 2% of U.S. renewable energy, per 2024 USGS.
• Impact: Saves $2B in energy costs yearly, per 2025 EPA. Cuts carbon emissions by 5M tons, per 2024 DOE. 10% growth in geothermal use since 2020, per 2025 NGWA.
• Why It’s Critical?: Reduces fossil fuel reliance by 3%, supporting climate goals, per 2025 Energy.gov.

What to do? Explore geothermal incentives via Energy.gov; advocate for renewable energy policies locally.

Question for You

Question Restated: What are some ways that groundwater is used in the United States currently?

Summarized Answer: Groundwater is used in the U.S. for irrigation for agriculture, supplying 67% of withdrawals (53B gallons/day) to irrigate 40M acres; public and domestic water supply, serving 115M people with 26B gallons/day; industrial processes, supporting $2T in GDP with 3.5B gallons/day; livestock and aquaculture, sustaining $200B in food production; and geothermal energy, heating 1.5M homes and saving $2B yearly, per 2025 USGS, USDA, and DOE.

What’s Next for You

Understanding ways groundwater is used in the United States currently is like recognizing the lifeblood of our economy and environment. I’ve been energized by how these five uses—irrigation, public supply, industry, livestock, and geothermal energy—deliver 83B gallons/day, supporting 330M Americans and $2.4T in economic activity, per 2025 USGS and BEA. Overusing groundwater risks depletion; sustainable practices ensure its future. Will you take groundwater for granted, or act to protect it today?

Here’s how to act:

• Conserve water. Install low-flow fixtures, saving 20% of household water, per EPA.
• Support sustainability. Buy from farms using drip irrigation, reducing groundwater use by 30%, per USDA.
• Stay informed. Follow USGS or NGWA for water conservation tips, as 26% of U.S. water comes from groundwater, per 2025 USGS.

Groundwater is a precious resource. Why it matters is about food, water, and energy security. Start today to conserve and protect it for a sustainable future.