The 1996 Industrial Water Use Survey

The Industrial Water Survey

The 1996 Industrial Water Survey gathered information on the volume of water use, end uses, water treatment and cost of water in Canada for industrial users. It was mailed out to about 6,100 industrial establishments from four sectors: manufacturing, mineral extraction, thermal power, and hydro power.

The survey was conducted subject to the federal Statistics Act under an agreement between Statistics Canada and Environment Canada. The survey has been conducted every five years since 1976.

Some of the major findings of the 1996 survey are:

• Manufacturing establishments reduced overall gross water use by 8% from 1991 to 1996. The water recycling rate in the sector increased from 93% to 115%. This increased efficiency in water use resulted in a reduction of 17% in total water intake.
• In contrast to the reductions in the Manufacturing establishments, the Mineral Extraction sector increased their gross water use by 8% from 1991 to 1996. The water recycling rate in the sector declined from 336% to 231%. This reduced efficiency in water use explains the increase of 42% in total water intake.
• In the Thermal Power Generation sector, water recirculation took a notable jump from 17% of intake in 1991 to 41% of intake in 1996.

Industrial Water Use, 1996 (Summary)

A full report on Industrial Water Use, 1996 is available. Write a short request for a version of the report, and arrangements will be made to mail one to you.

Report and other freshwater information.

Contact: Michel Villeneuve