How does the water industry affect the economy?

Time spent collecting water or seeking a safe place to go accounts for billions of dollars in lost economic opportunities. There are 785 million people in the world who lack access to safe water, and of them, women are generally tasked with water collection.

What are the economic benefits of universal access to water?

Universal access to basic water and sanitation would result in $18.5 billion in economic benefits each year from avoided deaths alone. Every $1 invested in water and sanitation provides a $4 economic return from lower health costs, more productivity and fewer premature deaths.

Is it worth it to drill a water well?

Our need for water has not changed, but well drilling technology has come a long way since then. In some areas of the world, manually digging a water well is still the cheapest and most practical way to improve water accessibility, especially for one-off wells.

What are some industries that use a lot of water?

Some industries that use large amounts of water produce such commodities as food, paper, chemicals, refined petroleum, or primary metals. Every five years, water withdrawal and use data at the county level are compiled into a national water-use data system, and state-level data are published in a national circular.

How much money does the well drilling industry make?

The well-drilling industry is one index of the importance of ground water to our national economy. National investment in water wells totals about one-half to three-quarter billion dol lars annually. The overall industry is currently experiencing a sharp upswing in drilling activity, but activity varies from region to region.

What are the regional trends in water well drilling?

Regional Trends in Water-Well Drilling in the United States By Gerald Meyer and G. G. Wyrick ABSTRACT The well-drilling industry is one index of the importance of ground water to our national economy. National investment in water wells totals about one-half to three-quarter billion dol lars annually.

How many water wells are there in the United States?

Table 1.-Estimated number of water wells drilled in the United States, by State [Based mainly on data supplied by the U.S. Geol. Survey and State water agencies. Modified in part by other data available to the authors.

What do you need to know about drilling a well?

Drill rigs are expensive (often up to $800,000) and their use requires considerable skill. All wells require casing to protect them from possible contaminants at or near the ground surface. A liner may be used in place of casing in hard rock formations.