Consumption

Consumption is just what it sounds like - consuming water, and the plants and animals that live in that water.

Humans must have fresh, clean water to drink in order to survive.  This water is called potable water, which comes from the Latin word from potare ‘to drink'. In the U.S. we mostly rely on engineered systems to filter and clean water to meet standards for human consumption.  

Humans around the world also consume animals and plants that grow and live the water, such as fish, shellfish, seaweed, and even algae. When we eat fish, we are also consuming what those fish have eaten, putting humans at the top of the food chain. Being able to safely consume fish that grow in your local waterways is an indicator of a healthy ecosystem.