June 29, 2014

The Water Crisis in the West

Introduction

In California, cutbacks in state water deliveries are forcing some growers to fallow fields. Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

With water increasingly scarce in the drought-ravaged American West, many states could face drastic rationing without rain.

Even with more sustainable practices, the future of water in the West is not secure. Population growth, conflicting demands for resources, and the unpredictable nature of a changing climate will all exacerbate the crisis of an already parched landscape.

What are the best ways to share the water? And how can we ensure it lasts for the foreseeable future?

Read the Discussion »

Debaters

How We Should Pay For Water

Robert Glennon, author, "Unquenchable"

We need to price water appropriately: people who use more should pay more.
Recycled Water Is Crucial

Melissa L. Meeker, WateReuse

Americans have embraced “sustainability” in so many aspects of modern life, but not when it comes to water resources.
Allow Water Rights Trading

Ellen Hanak, economist

Those with older, more valuable water rights should be able to lease or sell their water to the have-nots.
Conserve Energy to Save Water

Newsha Ajami, urban water policy expert

Have you ever considered how much water is needed to power your lights, computers and cars?
To Save Water, Change Your Diet

Arjen Y. Hoekstra, University of Twente, Netherlands

An incredible 40 percent of the water consumed by Americans goes into meat and dairy production.
Shared Sacrifices for Cities and Farms

Pat Mulroy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Brookings Mountain West

Continued cooperation on sharing agreements between the states and with Mexico is essential.