Humankind’s water use greater than thought

New analysis quantifies global impact of evaporation, runoff

rice fields

WATER LOSS  Humans water crops, like the rice fields shown here, using methods such as irrigation. Water management practices like these are taking a toll on water sources, a new study finds.

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Humans’ global water footprint is up to 18 percent greater than previous estimates, researchers from Sweden report in a new study.