The withdrawal of water for domestic, industrial and agricultural (including fish culture) purposes, power production, transportation and recreation. The main part of water withdrawn by industries is returned to lakes and rivers after being used, often degraded in quality. Water for agricultural purposes (irrigation) is partly consumed by crops, and partly required to flush salts out of the soil. (Terminology for integrated resource planning and management, 1999 - X2079E); Any deliberate application or use of water for a specific purpose.