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A Survey of Water Use and Common Industry Practices in Commercial Broiler Processing Facilities

USDA-ARS, Russell Research Center, Athens, Georgia 30604-5677

Correspondence: J. K. Northcutt, E-mail: jnorthcutt{at}saa.ars.usda.gov

A survey of commercial broiler processing facilities across the US was conducted to determine overall water use. Seventy-two percent of the respondents reported using city water to process broilers, and 66% reported discharging to city sewers. Over 41% of the responses were from facilities located in the Southeast; however, there was no relationship between location (region of US) of facility and water use or location of facility and water recycling/reuse. Overall, the average water use prior to implementation of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) was 20.6 L/bird, while the current post-HACCP water usage was reported as 26.0 L/bird. Analysis of data also showed a significant relationship between the amount of water used to process each broiler and the size of the broiler being processed. In addition, over 38% of the respondents reported that they recycle water, and a significant relationship was observed between the amount of water recycled and the size of facility. Data from this survey may be used to assist companies interested in establishing water conservation programs or conducting water audits.

Key Words: broiler • processing • water • Hazard Analysis • Critical Control Point

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