Water Scarcity Affecting First World Nations
WATER SCARCITY
Word Count 1519
Water scarcity is increasing worldwide and dramatically affecting first world nations such as Spain, Australia, and the United States. All nations are now starting to recognize that the world's water is a finite resource, and that resource is being drastically altered in both availability and quality by development, climate change and population growth. In the United States, the Colorado River is experiencing rapid declines in volume. Recent studies and data suggest that the changes in frequency, intensity, and timing of the availability of water will have substantial impact on the way we live our lives in the 21st century and beyond. As Letmathe Brakeck said, “I am confident that, under present conditions and with the way water is being managed, we will run out of water long before we run out of fuel.” From a developed nation perspective, two of the most dramatic demonstrations of the water crisis are the Murray-Darling river Basin in Australia, and the Colorado River Basin right here in our own back yard. In the Colorado River Basin, inflows have been on a dramatic decline for many years. Despite the decline, the effects of population growth, irresponsible use, and lack of a population understanding, will continue to result in larger amplitude and frequency fluctuations with potentially dangerous impacts. Despite the crucial crisis of shortage of water in Arizona and the fact that an arid climate does not produce much rainfall, the region continues rapid population growth, economic expansion, and the community continues to ignore the fact that the water that Arizona should have in an natural state does not exist. We in the valley never discuss water issues; even when they come up they are quickly dismissed. The natural beauty of the American Southwest, the expansion of its regional economy, as well as its relatively cheaper cost of living compared to the American coasts, has caused a recent influx of migration to the
Word Count 1519
Water scarcity is increasing worldwide and dramatically affecting first world nations such as Spain, Australia, and the United States. All nations are now starting to recognize that the world's water is a finite resource, and that resource is being drastically altered in both availability and quality by development, climate change and population growth. In the United States, the Colorado River is experiencing rapid declines in volume. Recent studies and data suggest that the changes in frequency, intensity, and timing of the availability of water will have substantial impact on the way we live our lives in the 21st century and beyond. As Letmathe Brakeck said, “I am confident that, under present conditions and with the way water is being managed, we will run out of water long before we run out of fuel.” From a developed nation perspective, two of the most dramatic demonstrations of the water crisis are the Murray-Darling river Basin in Australia, and the Colorado River Basin right here in our own back yard. In the Colorado River Basin, inflows have been on a dramatic decline for many years. Despite the decline, the effects of population growth, irresponsible use, and lack of a population understanding, will continue to result in larger amplitude and frequency fluctuations with potentially dangerous impacts. Despite the crucial crisis of shortage of water in Arizona and the fact that an arid climate does not produce much rainfall, the region continues rapid population growth, economic expansion, and the community continues to ignore the fact that the water that Arizona should have in an natural state does not exist. We in the valley never discuss water issues; even when they come up they are quickly dismissed. The natural beauty of the American Southwest, the expansion of its regional economy, as well as its relatively cheaper cost of living compared to the American coasts, has caused a recent influx of migration to the
Cited: 1. Norton, Gail. (7 Jul 2003) “Growth loads strain on Arizona water supply.” Editorials and opinions. Arizona Republic. Retrieved 20 March 2011 at: http://www.doi.gov/news/opeds/arizona.htm 2