efficient+water+use

Water supply =Water Use = Fresh water is one of our most valuable natural resources for which agricultural, industrial, municipal, and environmental uses all compete. Throughout history, cities and villages established themselves, and grew, near sources of water. Today, an adequate supply of fresh water is still needed, with quality being just as important as quantity. However, with continued increases in population, the competition between the various uses will only become more intense. How the allocation, use, and management of water is addressed will have dramatic impacts on the environment, the economy, and our quality of life. Irrigation consumes a significant portion of both surface and underground water supplies, in the U.S. and throughout the rest of the world. Another considerable use is industrial and the generation of electric power. Yet, while the the power industry utilizes a large amount of surface water primarily for running and cooling the equipment, the majority is returned to where it was taken from, albeit at a higher temperature. And, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, consumption within the power industry remains stable while substantial reductions have been achieved by both the agricultural and industrial sectors. The municipal sector is the only segment in which water consumption continues to rise in the United States, tripling between 1950 and 2000. Both surface and ground water is used to supply drinking water, with ground water being an extremely important source for those that do not have access through public supplies (i.e., self-supply sourcing via wells, etc). Water is also drawn for other community uses, including firefighting, public buildings, and area parks, pools, and gardens. Yet, in spite of a continued expansion of water conservation programs, as the U.S. population increases, cities may face future water shortages. The implementation of additional measures ? on both the supply and demand side ? may buy the time needed to advance technology, while further policy development may also help ensure adequate and affordable water supplies in the future.   Water Use in the United States The Georgia state office of the U.S. Geological Survey provides a section describing the various key uses of water in the United States based on data from 2000.  Water Resources Through its Civil Works directorate, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides an array of support services for water-related projects, which are intended to protect and restore the environment, enhance the nation's economic prosperity and global competitiveness, and improve the quality of life of all Americans.  Global Water Outlook to 2025: Averting an Impending Crisis A 2002 report by the International Food Policy Research Institute and the International Water Management Institute looked at trends in water policy and investment. They provide highlights of alternative scenarios, from 'business as usual,' to water crisis to sustainable water.

LAWS & TREATIES
 The Clean Water Act This is the major law regulating water quality in the United States, estab­lishing a framework for regulating discharges of water pollutants.

FOR THE CLASSROOM
 Tapped Dry: How do you solve a water shortage? In this EconEdLink lesson, students determine the costs and benefits of different allocation methods for water. [Grades 9-12]  Water Usage at Home The USGS provides this website to calculate the amount of water an individual's home uses everyday.  **References** <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10px;">Hutson, S.S., N.L. Barber, J.F. Kenny, K.S. Linsey, D.S. Lumia, and M.A. Maupin. Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 2000. Circular 1268. U.S. Geological Survey, 2004. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10px;">Arnold, Emily and Janet Larsen. // Bottled Water: Pouring Resources Down the Drain //. Earth Policy Institute, 2006.

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