Freshwater Supply

Book excerpt: The widespread drought conditions of 2002 focused attention on a critical nat. challenge: ensuring a sufficient freshwater supply to sustain quality of life & economic growth. States have primary responsibility for managing the allocation & use of water resources, but multiple federal agencies also play a role. For example, the Dept. of Interior's Bureau of Reclamation operates numerous water storage facilities, & the U.S. Geologic Survey collects surface & groundwater info. This report determines the current conditions & future trends for U.S. water avail. & use, the likelihood of shortages & their potential consequences, & states' views on how fed. activities could better support state water management efforts to meet future demands. Illustrations.