Water per Tonne of Steel

The figure “300 tonnes of water per tonne of steel” does not match modern freshwater-withdrawal indicators. World Steel Association data for 2026 report an average of about 8.5 m³ of freshwater withdrawn per tonne of crude steel and about 2.3 m³ consumed by reporting members; most water is returned after cooling or treatment. Values vary by plant and process, and circulating water may be counted separately from new withdrawals.