Animal Ethics

Animal Agriculture and Water Use: Welfare Connections

Animal agriculture is the largest user of freshwater globally, affecting river flows and aquatic ecosystems that billions of wild aquatic animals depend on for survival.

Key Facts

Animal agriculture accounts for approximately 70% of global freshwater withdrawals
Beef production requires approximately 15,400 litres of water per kilogram of meat
Aquifer depletion in major agricultural regions is reducing river flows that fish depend on
Irrigation for animal feed crops diverts water from rivers and wetlands
Plant-based proteins typically require 3-10 times less water per unit of protein than animal proteins

Welfare Considerations

Reduced river flows from agricultural water extraction strand fish in isolated pools, concentrate pollutants, and raise temperatures beyond tolerance. Wetland drainage for feed crop irrigation eliminates habitat for millions of aquatic and wetland-dependent species. The welfare impact of water-intensive animal agriculture extends far beyond the farm gate into entire watersheds.

What You Can Do

Reduce consumption of water-intensive animal products — particularly beef
Support water pricing reform that reflects true environmental cost of agricultural water use
Donate to watershed conservation programs protecting river flows from extraction
Advocate for agricultural water use efficiency standards that protect environmental flows