F. Impact of the industrial meat system on water

This paper deals with the ways in which water is a key player in the meat production process. First, large amounts of water are consumed and often wasted by the process. Water is needed directly to sustain livestock as well as indirectly for the irrigation and processing of grain used for feed. The amount of water needed for meat production varies greatly depending on elements such as the type of livestock, its health conditions, and changes in the environment such as temperature and humidity. Additionally, the packing and distribution processes also use up a lot of water. With demand for meat rapidly rising, the United States meat industry has been consuming vast amounts of water in order to help meet this demand.

In addition, water bodies are also affected by contamination from CAFOs. There are various fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals that are used in the production of CAFO feed. Additionally, pharmaceuticals—antibiotics and hormones—are given to livestock. Once these substances are given off as part of animal waste in CAFOs, they become a threat to our environment. Significant amounts of these noxious substances percolate and run off into wells, rivers, streams, and eventually the ocean, contaminating sources of potable water and endangering the well being of people and the environment. Furthermore, the packing and distribution processes also produce waste products that pollute waterways. There are several ways in which the presence of these contaminants can be checked. These include the use of common water treatment methods such as disinfection (for pathogens) and photolysis and irradiation (for the breakdown of chemical compounds). Given the high levels of contamination in water bodies today, there is a need for more stringent policy towards the polluting practices of CAFOs. Both government regulations and economic incentives are being implemented in order to attempt to preserve water and to maintain its purity.