Thermal power plants require large amounts of cooling water. 39% of all freshwater withdrawals in the USA are used for thermoelectric energy production.[4] Most of the cooling water is returned but at a higher temperature, and only around 3% is actually consumed, mostly by evaporation.[5] The demand for cooling water can be in competition with agriculture and municipal demands in some areas with the demand for water for irrigation around 40% overall.[5] As a result of climate change some rivers are running lower in the summer, putting additional strain on power production.