Map shows water supply for 30 million Americans at risk
Water supplies are becoming increasingly limited across larges swathes of the United States, a new analysis reveals.
30 million Americans live in areas where surface water supply struggles to meet demand, according to a new assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The report highlights alarming disparities, with a significant number of those affected by water scarcity residing in socially vulnerable communities.
"This assessment is a crucial part of the USGS's commitment to understanding and reporting on water availability, a growing concern in the face of increasing challenges to this vital resource," David Applegate, USGS Director, said in a statement.
"As the first study that looks at water supply, demand and quality across the lower 48 states, it can help support informed decision making for sustainable water management."
A map shows the severity of water limitationâthe relationship surface between water supply and demandâacross the contiguous United States. A map shows the severity of water limitationâthe relationship surface between water supply and demandâacross the contiguous United States. USGSBetween 2010 and 2020, regions like the Southern and Central High Plains, Texas, the Mississippi Embayment and the Southwest Desert experienced widespread water limitations.
Seasonal droughts and prolonged dry periods reduced water supply while simultaneously increasing demand, particularly for irrigation and outdoor use.
The assessment found that water scarcity not only affects ecosystems but also impacts millions of people directly, especially in regions with high population growth and agriculture-dependent economies.
Vulnerable communities often bear the brunt of these shortages, with limited resources to adapt.
The National Water Availability Assessment, as the report is known, sets itself apart from previous studies by employing cutting-edge models that integrate data on water quantity, quality and use.
Unlike earlier assessments, which relied solely on data from monitoring sites, this new approach fills critical gaps, providing a more holistic picture of water availability, the USGS said.
"This assessment is a groundbreaking scientific endeavor that enhances our understanding of the complex dynamics of water availability in the United States," Bill Werkheiser, USGS Associate Director for Water Resources, said in the statement.
"By integrating data on water quantity, quality and usage, we are uncovering valuable insights that will help researchers and policymakers address the critical challenges related to our water resources."
Providing adequate water to meet the country's needs is becoming an increasingly difficult challenge across the country. For example, as of 14 January, 67 percent of the West was abnormally dry or worse, according to U.S. Drought Monitor. In the High Plains, that figure was 75 percent.
The report matched drought patterns near perfectly, with the Southwest Desert, Central and Northern High Plains, Central Rockies, Texas and CaliforniaâNevada among the regions where demand and supply are most closely competing.
Conversely, water supply in the Pacific Northwest and Northeast both far exceed demand.
As populations continue to grow and climate change continues to make weather patterns less predictable, many are concerned about the future availability of water on a nationwide scale.
By identifying areas of water surplus and scarcity, the report aims to empower decision-makers to implement solutions that balance competing demands for this essential resource.
Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about water supplies? Let us know via science@newsweek.com.
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