Although it is anticipated that industry will dramatically reduce its water withdrawals through recycling and reuse, projections indicate that the amount of water consumption will increase because of industrial expansion and changes in processes. Industry is the second major water user in the Great Lakes region. Because of this abundant and relatively inexpensive source of water, water quantity is not a problem or an incentive for water conservation. The major impetus is maintaining water quality and monetary savings. Compliance with water quality regulations and economic incentives have already caused many regional industries to conserve water. Additional industrial water conservation will probably be limited to those firms not already in compliance with water quality legislation. Legal requirements, steamelectric industry withdrawals, and energy savings are discussed. Includes 12 references, tables.