An Interstate Water System For Economic Vitality

By Maury D. Gaston

World Water Day is March 22.  National groundwater Week was just completed.  These two events are especially timely as generationally significant droughts are in the news.  Texas and California, two of our most populous and economically vibrant states, are experiencing drought not seen in the careers of today’s water and municipal professionals. 

Industry leadership has significantly reduced per capita water consumption from its peak.  In 1980, our population was 230 million and our daily water withdrawals were 430 billion gallons, or 1,869 gallons per person per day.  This includes water for energy production, agriculture, and household use.  In 2005, our population had increased to 300.7 million and our total water withdrawals fell to 410 billion gallons per day.  This is a 27% reduction in per capita water use.