Consumptive use is the amount of water that does not return to its source after it has been diverted and put to beneficial use. Not all water is physically consumed when it is diverted. Unconsumed water that returns to a water supply through a municipal or industrial wastewater system or an irrigation system’s tailwater is called return flow. Return flows are then available for other downstream water users.
Check out other glossary terms or Send us a Message and we're happy to answer your questions!