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States throughout America's west and southwest have, for almost a decade, been in a state of drought. The situation, which threatens to get worse, could become the largest drought in 500 years of recorded history. Climate change is one major cause, with weather patterns leaving the region hotter and drier year round. However, climate change, while significant, is not the sole culprit.
A steady population increase throughout all of the Western United States is also partially responsible. "Westward flight" led to a more than 100% increase in most western state's populations between 1960 and 2000 and this trend is estimated to have continued or increased. Arizona and Nevada stand out in this regard with a 294.1 percent and 601.1 percent population increase respectively. These increases tax already strained water resources, contributing considerably to the drought problem.
Agriculture, too, has contributed to the expanding water dilemma of the west. The expansion of irrigated agriculture has led to dramatic increases in the amounts of water used in these regions. Furthermore, irrigated agriculture tends to degrade water resources though animal waste, fertilizer, and pesticide runoff. This is an important consideration in the advancement of biofuels, as one gallon of ethanol is estimated to require at least four gallons of water for its production.
Such a multifaceted problem certainly requires complex solutions. Hopefully, western state governments can work together, with the help of the United States Federal Government, to find an answer that is sustainable. In the meantime, we can do our part by conserving the resources we already have and supporting local, organic, agriculture.
For more on the latest in environmental news and issues, check out Focus Earth: November 22, 2008: U.S. Tackles Global Warming & Western Water Woes.
Read more about water:
How to Go Green: Water
Trust Your Tap Water
How to Never Drink Bottled Water Again
7 Questions You Need to Answer to Conserve Water Now
The Beauty Queens of Drought Tolerance
Deserts Have Ecosystems Too, You Know
Drought Around The World: Atlanta In Perspective
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