Are you aware of the water crisis brewing in the United States? How are individuals like Steve Robbins and Lester Snow, and organizations like the Oregon Water Trust and Trout Unlimited, dealing with this urgent issue? What role do energy consumption and environmental sustainability play in this crisis? Dive in to discover the intricate tapestry of water rights, conservation efforts, and the challenges and solutions unfolding across America.

Unquenchable: America's Water Crisis and What To Do About It

In October 2007, Atlanta faced a severe water crisis. Rob Hunter, the city’s watershed commissioner, announced the city could run out of water in four months due to a prolonged drought. 

Lake Lanier, Atlanta's primary water source, had dropped 15 feet, exposing mudflats and tree stumps. This lake, covering 38,000 acres, normally supports millions of recreational visitors annually. The drought led to a Level 4 emergency, banning all outdoor water use except for essential needs. Georgia’s governor, Sonny Perdue, and Atlanta’s mayor, Shirley Franklin, urged residents to conserve water, highlighting the dire situation.

The business community, including major corporations like Coca-Cola, expressed alarm, given water's critical role in the economy. Despite Georgia's substantial water resources, most of it is in the southern part of the state, far from the populous northern region. With Georgia’s population growing rapidly, water demand has surged, especially for agricultural irrigation and residential use, contributing further to the crisis.

Governor Perdue blamed federal regulations protecting endangered species for exacerbating the water shortage by requiring water releases from Lake Lanier. As tensions rose, Perdue even led a public prayer for rain, reflecting the desperation of the situation.

The water crisis highlighted Georgia's unrestrained growth and inefficient water use. Neighboring states, Florida and Alabama, were also affected and engaged in legal battles over water allocation, emphasizing the regional impact of water shortages.

Despite temporary relief from rains, the crisis underscored a broader issue: the unsustainable water consumption patterns and the need for long-term solutions. The episode revealed how critical water is to both the environment and the economy and the necessity of changing water use practices to prevent future crises.

Did Atlanta's 2007 Water Crisis Spark a Regional Wake-Up Call on Sustainable Water Use?

An old American Indian proverb reminds us, “The frog does not drink up the pond in which he lives.” Yet, in our quest for energy, we seem to be doing just that. 

In 2007, President George W. Bush called for a massive increase in renewable fuels, leading to a corn-fueled ethanol boom. Ethanol, despite its promise, has sparked a complex debate. Major players like Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) have benefited financially, but the environmental and economic costs are significant. The production of corn-based ethanol is energy-intensive, often consuming more energy than it produces, and it requires vast amounts of water.

Ethanol plants, such as one in Granite Falls, Minnesota, have strained local water supplies, leading to conflicts with domestic well owners. Nationwide, the ethanol boom demands enormous water resources—48 billion gallons annually for refining alone—raising concerns in already water-stressed regions. Beyond production, growing corn for ethanol exacerbates water usage, as corn is a water-intensive crop. 

The rapid expansion of ethanol production has led to higher corn prices, benefiting farmers but hurting livestock producers and consumers due to increased food costs. Michael Pollan, in "The Omnivore's Dilemma," highlights how pervasive corn is in our food system, making these price hikes significant.

Despite its challenges, ethanol production continues to grow, encouraged by government policies like the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which mandates a 500% increase in ethanol production by 2022. 

Moreover, server farms—massive data centers run by companies like Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo—also require vast amounts of water for cooling. These facilities, crucial for our digital lives, consume significant energy and, consequently, water.

As our economy becomes more energy-intensive, the intertwined demands of water and energy present a formidable challenge. Producing energy consumes water, and providing water requires energy. With increasing population and economic growth, this cycle threatens our water and energy supplies, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

George W. Bush's Ethanol Boom: Energizing Controversy and Water Wars

Imagine waking up to dry faucets, empty reservoirs, and dying crops. This isn't a far-off dystopian scenario; it's a reality being masked by diligent water managers like Steve Robbins and Lester Snow.

Steve Robbins, General Manager of the Coachella Valley Water District, warns us that while water managers have managed to keep water flowing, the crisis is very real. A 2007 U.S. Geological Survey report highlighted the alarming drop in the earth's surface due to groundwater pumping, but it went largely unnoticed. Robbins believes the biggest challenge is convincing the public that there's a problem before a disaster strikes.

Lester Snow, from the California Department of Water Resources, echoes this frustration. Surveys show many Californians don't know where their water comes from, with some even thinking it’s sourced from local wells despite the state’s heavy reliance on imported water.

The water crisis isn't limited to dry areas like California. In Ramapo, New York, debates over water usage highlight growing tensions. Orthodox Hasidic communities prefer dense housing, which some locals fear will strain the water supply. The county has faced multiple drought emergencies due to a mismatch between supply and demand.

Even water-rich regions like New England aren't spared. Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont have numerous rivers suffering from low flow levels, affecting local ecosystems. In North Carolina, fast-growing cities like Charlotte and Kannapolis are grappling with water shortages despite their proximity to significant water bodies.

The situation in the American West is even more dire. In Colorado, the South Platte River Basin farmers face severe restrictions on groundwater pumping due to overuse, leading to crop failures and economic hardship. The Republican River compact struggle between Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas further underscores the inter-state conflicts over water rights.

Texas and Oklahoma are now embroiled in a legal battle over water from the Red River, with Oklahoma enacting a moratorium on water exports to protect its resources. Even the Great Lakes region, which holds 95% of the U.S. fresh surface water, is cautious about water diversions. Recent declines in lake levels have spurred fears of water depletion.

This crisis is a ticking time bomb. How we respond will determine whether we avert disaster or face dire consequences. It’s time to recognize the gravity of the situation and take proactive measures to secure our water future.

Is America on the Brink of a Water Catastrophe Hidden in Plain Sight?

In the past, we engineered solutions to water shortages by diverting rivers, building dams, and drilling wells. Today, these methods are less viable. Take the Colorado River, which once flowed robustly to the ocean but now often runs dry due to extensive damming and diversions. This situation is echoed in many rivers across the United States, leading to environmental degradation and public health risks.

Historically, dams were the go-to solution for water management. They powered the industrial revolution and enabled urban growth in arid regions like the American West. Yet, the environmental costs are staggering. Dams have destroyed habitats, altered river flows, and increased water temperatures, harming aquatic life.

A notable shift is occurring: the removal of dams. Since 1999, nearly 300 dams have been dismantled, restoring river ecosystems. The largest project involves removing two dams in Washington's Olympic National Park, a move backed by economic studies showing increased tourism revenue.

Groundwater, once thought inexhaustible, is now critically overdrawn. In places like the Ogallala Aquifer and various locations in the U.S., excessive pumping has caused significant declines in water levels, land subsidence, and saltwater intrusion, threatening both water supplies and infrastructure.

Despite these challenges, some still dream of grand schemes to import water from far-off places like Alaska or Canada. However, these projects often face insurmountable financial, environmental, and political hurdles.

Meanwhile, cloud seeding remains a controversial method for inducing rain. Though it has a long history and some state support, its effectiveness is scientifically unproven, and it raises legal and environmental concerns.

In short, our traditional methods of addressing water shortages are increasingly unsustainable. Innovative solutions, such as dam removal and better groundwater management, are essential for a sustainable future.

Rethinking Water Solutions: From Dam Removals to Sustainable Innovations

On March 20, 2007, Jim Cherry, the area manager of the Yuma Desalting Plant (YDP) in Arizona, was brimming with excitement. The YDP, a $250 million facility designed to reduce the salt content in Colorado River water, had been sitting idle since 1993 due to floods and design flaws. Yet, the ongoing drought had rekindled interest in the plant, leading to a demonstration run to test its functionality and cost-effectiveness. 

The saline water the plant was meant to treat had transformed a barren desert into an artificial wetland, the Ciénega de Santa Clara, a crucial habitat for endangered species. This had sparked an environmental debate when cities like Los Angeles and Phoenix showed interest in capturing the saline water. The impasse was broken when Sid Wilson of the Central Arizona Project brought together environmentalists and municipal interests to find a solution that balanced water demands and environmental preservation.

The demonstration run, although only at 10% capacity, successfully treated over 1.3 billion gallons of water. This highlighted desalination's potential, but also its challenges. Desalinating water, whether through distillation or reverse osmosis, is energy-intensive and costly. Despite advances and growing interest, including innovative approaches by startups and major companies like GE, desalination remains a complex and expensive solution.

Desalination is not a silver bullet for the water crisis. Its high costs, energy demands, and environmental impact mean it will be used selectively rather than universally. As Jim Cherry and his team continue to explore the plant's role, the broader question remains: how do we balance growing water demands with environmental sustainability? Desalination offers part of the answer, but it is not the ultimate solution.

Can Desalination Solve America's Water Crisis Despite Its High Costs and Environmental Impact?

Senator Dianne Feinstein once proclaimed that Californians have a God-given right to water their lawns, reflecting a widespread sentiment as millions of Americans spend billions maintaining vast lawns, consuming immense amounts of water. 

However, actress Rene Russo challenges this notion, advocating for gardens filled with native, low-water-use plants. Her lush Brentwood garden is a testament to this philosophy. Los Angeles, despite its arid climate, often acts as if water is abundant, reclaiming only a minuscule portion of its water. The city’s attempts to enforce water conservation have sometimes backfired, as seen when residents reported the city itself for wasteful practices.

In Phoenix, where rain is scarce, developers historically indulged in water extravagances like golf courses and misting systems. Similar excesses were evident in Fountain Hills, Arizona, which boasts one of the world's tallest fountains, now using reclaimed water but still consuming over 1.6 million gallons annually.

Florida, too, has struggled with conservation. On Marco Island, Ed Ehlen's attempt to use artificial turf was met with resistance, leading to a colorful protest. Yet, places like Long Beach and San Antonio have made significant strides in reducing water usage through aggressive conservation programs. San Antonio’s initiatives, such as the “Kick the Can” program offering high-efficiency toilets, have been notably successful. Albuquerque and Utah also embarked on ambitious conservation programs, achieving remarkable reductions.

Despite these efforts, some areas remain resistant. San Diego's voluntary conservation campaign saw little success, highlighting a disconnect between perception and reality. Surveys often reveal people believe they use less water than they actually do. Conservation programs vary in effectiveness, from voluntary measures to stringent regulations and rebates. However, complex regulations and enforcement challenges can hinder progress.

Ultimately, conservation requires a cultural shift and genuine commitment from both governments and citizens. While some communities lead by example, others lag, underscoring the need for continued education and innovative solutions to tackle the water crisis.

Rene Russo's Garden Revolution: Redefining Water Conservation

Back in 1910, Theodore Roosevelt remarked that civilized societies should find better ways to dispose of sewage than contaminating drinking water. 

Fast forward to the crazy antics of Borat, a film character who highlights cultural absurdities, including our wasteful toilet habits. Toilets in the U.S. consume vast amounts of water—up to 5.8 billion gallons daily—and this water usage highlights a key environmental and financial concern. Historically, cities dumped waste into rivers, believing they would purify themselves, but this led to epidemics. It wasn't until the 1972 Clean Water Act that significant efforts were made to treat wastewater.

Today, our aging infrastructure struggles under the burden of outdated systems. Philadelphia, for instance, faces frequent water main breaks due to neglected pipes, some nearly 200 years old. Repair costs are staggering, with future estimates reaching up to a trillion dollars. Yet, politicians shy away from this unglamorous but essential task.

The flush toilet, hailed by some as humanity's greatest invention, is at the heart of this conundrum. Alternatives like composting toilets offer a water-saving, eco-friendly option, but cultural reluctance and logistical challenges persist. Incinerating toilets and waterless urinals present other options, yet adoption is slow.

The crux of the problem is our perception of water's value. In the U.S., water is cheap and often used wastefully. Many places, like Fresno, California, even resist metering, while others, like Palm Beach, show that high water bills don't always curb excessive use. Increasing water rates could incentivize conservation, but this raises concerns about fairness and access, particularly for the vulnerable.

Ultimately, there's a pressing need for a national commitment to revamp our water infrastructure and rethink our systems. Perhaps, as Roosevelt suggested, it's time we find a better way to manage our most precious resource.

Can We Solve Our Water Crisis by Heeding Theodore Roosevelt's 1910 Warning?

In July 2005, Utah's Geneva Steel shut down with a dramatic demolition, marking the end of an era. Geneva Steel had been a keystone in Utah's industrial landscape since World War II when the federal government funded its construction due to its strategic inland location, safe from potential West Coast attacks. 

However, by the late 20th century, the American steel industry collapsed under foreign competition and high labor costs. Geneva Steel's isolation from major markets also played a role in its downfall, leading to its closure in 1987, brief reopening, and eventual bankruptcy in 1999.

Despite its industrial decline, Geneva Steel managed to liquidate its assets profitably. The company sold its 1,750 acres of prime land for $46.8 million, machinery to a Chinese firm for $40 million, and an iron ore mine for $10 million. Intriguingly, Geneva's water rights fetched an even higher price at $102.5 million, underscoring the growing value of water in Utah's arid climate. The Central Utah Water Conservancy District acquired these rights to support future municipal and industrial needs in the rapidly developing areas around Utah Lake.

The district's strategy is a pragmatic response to Utah's water scarcity. Under the stewardship of state engineer Jerry Olds, the state has enforced strict water rights management, limiting new permits to prevent over-extraction. This policy ensures sustainable use and protects existing users, fostering a market where developers must buy water rights from current holders. This careful regulation aims to avoid the pitfalls seen in other states where water resources are overexploited.

Utah's approach reflects a broader trend in Western U.S. cities adapting to water scarcity through innovative policies. In Santa Fe, New Mexico, stringent water conservation measures and a water rights transfer ordinance have revolutionized growth management. Developers now must secure water rights before their projects can proceed, linking land use decisions directly to water availability.

The privatization of water resources, a contentious global issue, also plays into this narrative. While privatization can potentially bring needed investment and efficiency, it raises concerns about equitable access and environmental stewardship. Successful privatization, as seen in Indianapolis, requires robust regulatory oversight to ensure water remains a public good, accessible and sustainable for all.

These stories illustrate the complex interplay between industrial legacy, resource management, and urban development in a world where water is an increasingly precious commodity. The tale of Geneva Steel's water rights exemplifies the critical need for thoughtful, sustainable water policies as communities grow and evolve.

From Steel to Streams: Geneva Steel's Water Legacy Shapes Utah's Future

Among the amusing questions tourists ask park rangers at the Grand Canyon, a favorite is, "Where did they put the dirt?" While it’s obvious that human hands didn’t dig the Grand Canyon, the question of where the dirt went isn’t entirely foolish. 

Nature, through plate tectonics and the Colorado River’s influence, sculpted the Grand Canyon. Geologists believe the canyon formed through a series of abrupt events, not by gradual erosion, with floods and debris flows from snowmelt and monsoons widening and deepening it.

Before the construction of dams, the Colorado River carried sediment downstream, creating fertile land in regions like Imperial Valley. This land, once blisteringly hot and barren, was transformed into fertile farmland through irrigation. The development of the All-American Canal in the 1930s, delivering water from the Colorado River, turned the Imperial Valley into a major agricultural hub.

Despite the wealth generated from farming, Imperial County struggles with high poverty rates. The region faces challenges like salinity in the soil, which farmers combat with flood irrigation. However, the diversion of water for irrigation has sparked controversy, especially with California’s growing urban demands for water.

In the 1990s, a historic water transfer agreement, the Quantification Settlement Agreement (QSA), was proposed to address urban water needs while compensating Imperial Valley farmers. Despite initial rejection, federal pressure and provisions for community compensation eventually led to the agreement’s approval.

This transfer agreement highlighted the complexity of water rights and the potential for conflicts between agricultural and urban interests. The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) example shows the necessity of balancing water use to benefit both rural and urban communities while protecting the environment.

In contrast, the Palo Verde Irrigation District (PVID) quickly approved a water transfer deal with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, benefiting farmers but potentially harming the larger community. This disparity in decision-making underscores the importance of representative voting in water districts.

These stories from southwestern irrigation districts reveal crucial lessons: water control must remain with a broadly representative body to avoid harm to communities and the environment. Urban areas seeking water must craft mutually beneficial agreements with rural regions to ensure equitable and sustainable water use.

Where Did the Grand Canyon's Dirt Go and How Did It Transform the Imperial Valley?

In the heart of Oregon, Janet Neuman, a dynamic environmental law professor, embarked on a mission with the Oregon Water Trust to protect the state's rivers. The Trust was the first of its kind, a nonprofit that buys water rights to increase river flows, enabling farmers to use their irrigation water more efficiently and leave more for fish and wildlife. This innovative approach was a win-win, benefiting both the environment and local farmers.

Take the Voigt family, third-generation ranchers who faced a dilemma on their sprawling Austin Ranch. By selling a portion of their water rights to the Trust, they not only helped improve fish habitat but also modernized their irrigation system, enhancing yields. The $700,000 they received allowed them to achieve more with less water, showcasing how conservation can be economically beneficial.

Meanwhile, in Montana, Laura Ziemer of Trout Unlimited worked wonders persuading ranchers like Eddie Grantier to adopt efficient irrigation methods. By leveraging financial incentives from various sources, including the Bonneville Power Administration, Ziemer facilitated projects that restored fish habitats while improving ranch operations. Such collaborative efforts show how aligning environmental goals with economic incentives can lead to sustainable practices.

However, not all conservation efforts are straightforward. The lining of the All-American Canal, an efficiency project meant to save water, sparked controversy due to its unintended consequences on Mexican farmers and wetlands. This conflict highlights the complexity of water management and the need for thoughtful consideration of all stakeholders involved.

The narrative of water rights in the United States is a tapestry woven with innovative solutions, challenging dilemmas, and the persistent need for balance between human needs and environmental preservation. 

As seen in the stories of the Oregon Water Trust and Trout Unlimited, creative collaborations and market-based incentives offer promising paths forward. Meanwhile, the challenges faced by projects like the All-American Canal remind us of the intricacies and unexpected impacts that come with managing our precious water resources.

Championing Water Conservation: Janet Neuman and Laura Ziemer's Innovative Environmental Solutions

In October 2007, Atlanta faced a severe water crisis due to a prolonged drought, exposing the vulnerability of its water resources and highlighting the need for more efficient water use practices. The city's primary water source, Lake Lanier, was significantly depleted, causing concern for both residents and the business community reliant on water. This crisis called attention to the broader issue of unrestrained growth and inefficient water consumption patterns in the region.

The thirst for energy also exacerbates water scarcity, as seen with the ethanol boom, which demands vast water resources. Ethanol production is energy-intensive and strains local water supplies, raising concerns in water-stressed regions. The increasing energy demands of server farms further complicate the water-energy nexus, underlining the need for sustainable solutions to balance these intertwined demands.

Across the U.S., water crises reveal the fragility of our water infrastructure and the urgency of adopting conservation measures. In places like California, New York, and the American West, water shortages and legal battles over water rights emphasize the critical need for long-term, sustainable water management strategies.

Traditional methods of addressing water shortages, such as damming and groundwater pumping, are proving unsustainable, leading to environmental degradation. Innovative approaches like dam removal and better groundwater management are essential for a sustainable future.

Desalination presents a potential solution but remains costly and energy-intensive, highlighting the need for selective use and further exploration of its role in addressing water scarcity. Conservation efforts, such as those seen in Los Angeles and San Antonio, demonstrate the effectiveness of aggressive water-saving programs, though cultural shifts and genuine commitment are necessary for widespread adoption.

The economic value of water is becoming increasingly apparent, as seen in Utah's water rights market and the policies of states like New Mexico. Privatization of water resources can bring investment and efficiency but requires robust regulatory oversight to ensure equitable access and environmental stewardship.

Lastly, innovative conservation initiatives like those of the Oregon Water Trust and Trout Unlimited show how aligning environmental goals with economic incentives can lead to sustainable water use practices. However, projects like the All-American Canal remind us of the complexities and unintended consequences in water management, underscoring the need for thoughtful consideration of all stakeholders.

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Unquenchable: America's Water Crisis and What To Do About It

Robert Jerome Glennon

Are you aware of the water crisis brewing in the United States?

How are individuals like Steve Robbins and Lester Snow, and organizations like the Oregon Water Trust and Trout Unlimited, dealing with this urgent issue?

What role do energy consumption and environmental sustainability play in this crisis?

Dive in to discover the intricate tapestry of water rights, conservation efforts, and the challenges and solutions unfolding across America.

Key Ideas

#1