2030: Population and Water Scarcity in the West
Jul. 23, 2008
“The fast-growing states and cities of the Southwest face great challenges in meeting increasing water demands. Most of the sources and supplies of water for this arid region are fully allocated among environmental, urban, and agricultural uses. Mechanisms for reallocating water away from current uses, along with technological means for augmenting supplies, all have physical, economic, and social limits.” Testimony of Stephen D. Parker, Director of the Water, Science and Technology Board of the National Academies, House Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, May 14, 2008.
Water scarcity is one of the greatest challenges facing the United States. Over the next 22 years, U.S. population is projected to grow from 304 million to 364 million, and much of that projected population growth will occur in areas of the country already experiencing water shortages. The populations of Nevada and Arizona, two of the most arid states in the country, will more than double between 2000 and 2030. The population of California, which recently declared a drought emergency, is projected to climb from 37 million to 46 million by 2030.
Can the water needs of these states be met? The latest report of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program warns that the Southwest and other parts of the U.S. will continue to be subjected to extreme heat and drought. A recent study by Tim P. Barnett and David W. Price indicated that there's a 50 percent chance that by 2023 Lake Mead won't provide water without pumping. Other reports, while more optimistic, still suggest that the job of meeting the future water needs of California and the Southwest is a major challenge for policymakers.
1334 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C., 20515
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
WELCOME: The Honorable Anthony C. Beilenson
COSPONSORS:
The California Institute for Federal Policy Research
PRESENTERS:
Betsy Cody, Specialist in Natural Resources Policy, Congressional Research Service
Jeff Jacobs, Scholar with the Water Science and Technology Board at the National Research Council
David L. Reynolds, Director of Federal Relations, Association of California Water Agencies
Paul Townsley, President of the Western Region of American Water
MODERATOR:
Robert J. Walker, President of the Population Resource Center
ATTENDEES: (partial list)
The House Natural Resources Committee
Rep. Jim Costa (D - CA)
Rep. Wally Herger (R-CA)
Rep. George Miller (D - CA)
Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D - CA)
American Rivers
Association of California Water Associations
Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN)
Clean Water Network
Environmental Defense Fund
Population Action International
Population Connection
Wine Institute
PRESENTATIONS:
Jeff Jacobs:
www.prcdc.org/images/media/file/Jacobs_Colorado_River_July_23_08.ppt
David L. Reynolds:
www.acwa.com/powerpoints/ca_society_municipal_analysts_06_25_08.ppt