Pulp and paper manufacturers are among the largest users of water worldwide.  Large quantities of water are required for the pulping process (reducing wood to a fibrous mat), the bleaching process (whitening and brightening the fibers), and the papermaking process (a slurry of 99% water conveys fiber onto a Fourdrinier paper machine).

In the U.S., water that is used in the pulp and papermaking process is collected and treated before it is returned to the environment.   At Mohawk, water is continually recycled for reuse within the mill.  Water that can no longer be used will undergo water treatment processes prior to discharge.