USGS reports 40 percent decline in water withdrawals for thermoelectric power generation since 2008

The U.S. Geological Survey released new data on water usage in thermoelectric power plants. The agency compiled the information in the 2025 National Water Availability Assessment. Monthly estimates of thermoelectric power generation water use are available for 2008 to 2020.

In water year 2020, which ran from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020, thermoelectric power accounted for about 36 percent of the roughly 224,000 million gallons of freshwater withdrawn daily in the lower 48 states for thermoelectric power generation, public supply and crop irrigation. That volume equals about 82,000 million gallons of water a day for thermoelectric power generation.

The agency found that approximately 21,000 million gallons of saline water are used per day in thermoelectric plants, calculated from mean values from water years 2009 to 2020. The agency noted that nearly all, or 96 percent, of the freshwater used in thermoelectric power generation is eventually returned.

The agency reported that cooling system types affect water use efficiency. Once-through cooling systems have a consumptive use rate of about 1 percent on average from 2009 to 2020. Recirculating cooling towers have consumptive use rates often exceeding 70 percent. Recirculating cooling ponds have consumptive use rates often exceeding 100 percent.

The agency reported a 40 percent decline in water withdrawals for thermoelectric power generation from 2008 to 2020. Consumptive use decreased by 25 percent over the same period. The agency said the primary reason for the decline is the reduced use and retirement of coal-fired power plants.