Showing papers on "Water scarcity published in 1973"

National and interregional models of water demand, land use, and agricultural policies

Abstract: This national study deals with the optimum allocation of land and water resources in 223 agricultural-producing or land regions, 51 water supply regions, and 27 market regions of the United States. It analyzes these questions: Will the nation be able to meet its urban and industrial needs for water in the year 2000? Will these allocations require a smaller or redistributed use of water in agriculture? To what extent can land be substituted for irrigation water in attaining the nation's domestic and export food demands? From which crops and regions should water be diverted in attaining an efficient agriculture and in meeting non-agricultural uses of water? The study is based on programing models of 3220 equations (including 1650 fixed bounds) and 5426 real variables in the framework of interregional competition and comparative advantage. It estimates the extent to which land could be substituted for water and vice versa in an efficient future use of resources. Jt indicates where and to what extent water should be reallocated among areas of agriculture and between agricultural, urban, and industrial uses. It analyzes the impacts of alternative futures on the demand for water. Alternatives examined are those of water prices, population levels, farming technology, export quantities, and agricultural policies. In general, the results show that, if agricultural and water development policies were changed over the future, the nation would not be faced with an overall water scarcity, and even surplus food producing capacity could exist with the use of less water for agricultural purposes.

Agricultural Water Allocation, Land Use, and Policy

Abstract: Mathematical programming models were used to determine optimal water and land allocation and agricultural water needs in the year 2000. The models encompassed the whole of the nation's agriculture but included restraints and detail for 223 producing areas and 51 water regions. With elimination of farm programs withholding land from production, the nation could free water from agriculture for other uses in 2000. Total agricultural water use could be less than in 1964. Pricing policies could be an important means to lessen water demand in western states. These possibilities exist as land and technology is substituted for water. Without farm programs and with a population of 300,000,000 in the year 2000, irrigated acreage could decline by 13% over 1964. The problem facing the nation is not a water shortage for agriculture but an improved allocation of this resource.

The Demand for Agricultural Water in Utah.

Abstract: : The report attempts to provide some of the economic information necessary for sound decisions in the development and use of Utah's water resources with respect to agriculture. The general conclusions from the study indicate that most parts of the state suffer from a water shortage in that more production could be obtained from the presently irrigated land through the use of more water and/or the transfer of water from lands with low productivity to higher quality land. There are, however, many cases of water waste. The model is not designed to adequately evaluate the economic feasibility of water importation projects but those regions with the greatest potential for development are identified. The models indicate that, given the present cost and price structure, agriculture alone probably could not economically justify most water importation schemes at this time.