Rising expectations for conservation in water-scarce times

Excerpt

The recent drought in the southeastern United States has increased water conservation awareness among many Americans accustomed to taking plentiful fresh water for granted. At the same time, low water levels in areas used to limited water continue to cause regional stress and economic losses to communities and agricultural operations. Trends and predictions for areas served by the Colorado River/Lake Mead system in the Southwest and those drawing from the Ogallala acquifer in the lower High Plains are not promising.

State and local authorities and the popular press have taken up the cause of water conservation as they look to water resource management for answers. Many regional and municipal water authorities have implemented programs to decrease water usage. Typical approaches involve restrictions on lawn watering and education on water conservation for consumers. In some areas, rebates are offered for landscaping with plants that require minimal watering or for replacing inefficient plumbing fixtures. Such strategies have shown some success. Residential water usage has dropped significantly in many areas over recent years and decades (Seattle, for example, has decreased per capita water use from 150 gallons to 100 gallons per day). At the same time, agriculture has benefited and continues to benefit …