Water Supply and Scarcity
According to the United Nations, water scarcity is defined as the point at which the aggregate impact of all users impinges on the supply or quality of water. Water scarcity is a relative concept and can occur at any level of supply or demand. Scarcity may be socially-constructed or the consequence of altered supply patterns stemming from climate change. Resources available in this sub-theme include U.S. drought monitoring data, workshops for rural water supply systems, among other resources that support water supply and scarcity.
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Water Supply and Scarcity Resources
Fountains--Water Wasters or Works of Art?
The National Institutes for Water Resources
Those of us conditioned by the ubiquitous precepts of water conservation may feel slightly squeamish about water fountains. We have been taught that not all water uses are equal, some are of more value than others. Drinking obviously is an essential water use but washing sidewalks and driveways is...Read more
Regional focus:
United States, North AmericaWeather Modification: a Water Resource Strategy to Be Researched, Tested Before Tried
The National Institutes for Water Resources
Weather modification has a rather unique status among water resource issues. Along with attracting attention as a potential water supply source, weather modification is of interest because of its varied and changing status in the scientific and public policy communities; it has an aura of...Read more
Regional focus:
United States, North AmericaLayperson's Guide to Arizona Water
National Water Research Institute
As part of its commitment to serve the water education needs of Arizona citizens, the Water Resources Research Center teamed up with the Water Education Foundation to produce the Layperson's Guide to Arizona Water. The publication meets a longstanding need: it offers in a single, reader-...Read more
Water Conservation Banking: Municipal Water Conservation to Support Environmental Enhancement
National Water Research Institute
In the Southwest United States attempts to improve the health and habitat value of riparian areas have focused on environmental restoration and preservation activities. In this predominantly arid region, many environmental enhancement activities require supplemental irrigation water. Identifying...Read more
Good Intentions, Unintended Consequences: the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District
National Water Research Institute
In the late 1940s, the Arizona Legislature authorized the State Land Commission to designate "critical groundwater areas."' In 1973, the legislature began to require developers of land to prove that they had an "adequate" water supply.' However, failure to demonstrate...Read more
The Importance of Water Storage and Recovery in Arizona
National Water Research Institute
An overview of water recharge and recovery in Arizona. This article details the mechanisms for storage, the organizations involved and its importance for Arizona's water supply.'...Read more
Water Loss Control - Productivity and Efficiency in the Water Utility Sector
With water resources'increasingly stressed due to climate change and growing populations, water utilities must become water-efficient throughout the entire supply process.' By employing improved methods of water auditing and loss control, water utilities have potential to reduce the large...Read more
The Role of Conservation Program Design in Drought Risk Adaptation
Published:
July 1, 2013U.S. Department of Agriculture
Drought-risk adaptation involves farmers taking actions or making investments that reduce their vulnerability to drought. These actions and investments will generally be of greater benefit to farmers in areas that face a higher risk of drought during the growing season. As a result, other things...Read more
Irrigation and Water Use - Briefing Room
Published:
November 22, 2004U.S. Department of Agriculture
Agriculture is a major user of ground and surface water in the United States, accounting for 80 percent of the Nation's consumptive water use and over 90 percent in many Western States. This ERS research program investigates water allocation, water conservation, and water management issues...Read more
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