In this article, we take a look at the 5 countries that waste the most water per capita. If you want to see our detailed water treatment industry analysis go directly to the 15 Countries That Waste the Most Water.
5. Canada
Annual Water Waste Production: 198 m3 Per Capita
Canada, a country with over 40 million population, holds approximately 20% of the world’s water resources. The country is home to plenty of rivers, lakes, and the three oceans. Canada even has the world’s largest freshwater lake. With abundant water availability, Canada has a water waste production of 198 m3 per capita. Companies like Aevitas Inc. are working in Canada to treat wastewater and make it ready for reuse.
4. Monaco
Annual Wastewater Production: 203 m3 per capita
Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, with a population of around 36,686 people. Since there are no key rivers in Monaco, the country depends on its neighbors for most of its natural water supply. The majority of the water withdrawal and distribution in Monaco is done by the Société Monégasque des Eaux, owned by Veolia Water (VIE).
The annual water waste production in Monaco is 203 m3 per capita, while the water withdrawal is at 0.005 billion m3 per capita. Aqua Monaco is a leader in Monaco’s drinking water industry.
3. United States of America
Annual Water Waste Production: 211 m3 Per Capita
The United States of America has a high domestic water consumption rate, consuming annually around 2,842 m3 per capita. According to data by USGS in 2015, each American, on average, uses 82 gallons of water a day at home.
While the water consumption is high, the water waste production in America is 211 m3 per capita, partly due to good infrastructure and better environmental awareness. More so because of the companies, like Xylem Inc (NYSE: XYL) and DuPont de Nemours Inc (NYSE: DD), that treat wastewater and make it suitable for reuse.
2. Austria
Annual Water Waste Production: 220 m3 Per Capita
Austria, with an average precipitation of around 1,100 mm per year, is one of the most water-wealthy countries in Europe. It is largely a mountainous landlocked country located in south-central Europe with a population of almost 9 million. According to the latest data available (as of 2021), Austria annually withdraws 387.74 m3 of water per capita. Out of which, 220 m3 goes out as wastewater.
1. Andorra
Annual Water Waste Production: 257 m3 Per Capita
Located in the east of the Pyrenees Mountains of Europe, Andorra is a small country with a population of just 79,034 as of 2021. It is top on the list for being a country with the highest water waste production per capita, 257 m3 per year.
Andorra relies heavily on rivers for its water resources and is currently facing one of its major environmental issues, i.e., wastewater production. Companies like Pure Aqua Inc and Sorigué have worked with the government of Andorra to tackle the issue.
Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily enewsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also take a peek at 20 Countries That Waste the Most Food and Top 20 Countries With Most Natural Resources in the World.
