Showing papers on "Water scarcity published in 1979"

Urban Drought in the San Francisco Bay Area: A Study of Institutional and Social Resiliency

Abstract: In July 1977, in the midst of severe drought in the western US, the National Science Foundation funded a study to investigate the urban effects of the water shortage.* The study had four objectives: 1. To identify the ways in which urban water districts first defined and then responded to the drought, and to identify the information they used in doing so 2. To describe the policymaking process whereby urban water districts chose from among alternative strategies to cope with drought, and how their initial responses may have changed over time 3. To assess the effectiveness, cost, equity, and administrative feasibility of different drought policies, especially supply augmentation policies as compared with demand reduction policies 4. To identify which if any water management practices traditional to urban districts might undergo fundamental change as a result of the drought experience, and why. The study focused on eight agencies supplying water to more than three million customers in the San

Chicago Water System: Opportunities and Challenge of Lake Michigan

Abstract: As regions and localities all over the world are being faced with the growing problem of water shortages, Chicago is fortunate to have Lake Michigan, an excellent source of supply that can be readily treated to a high-quality finished product. Chicago’s vast water system presently serves a population of approximately 4,600,000 people in Chicago and 74 neighboring suburban communities and operates the world’s two largest water purification plants. Eleven pumping stations located throughout the City pump over 374.7 billion gallons (1,423,860,000m³) of water a year. The system comprises 4,160 miles (6,697.6km) of water mains and 65 miles (104.65km) of water-supply tunnels. Water-intake cribs constructed off the shores of Lake Michigan supply the purification plants with raw water for processing.

Water Scarcity and the Politics of Plenty in the Four Corners States

Abstract: ECISIONS made within states will determine future allocations of water resources in the West. Recent attempts by the federal government to exert stronger influence over the uses water is to serve largely have failed. Shortly after coming to office, the Carter Administration embarked upon a comprehensive review of water resources policy, aimed in part at finding means to force states to change what the administration viewed as antiquated water rights systems." The water policy document finally issued after prolonged study and political conflict provided for much less federal interference in water matters than Western politicians feared and fought. While federal water projects will be more difficult to fund in the future, and states must share more of the cost, the preeminence of states in determining how water is to be allocated was specifically recognized, and states are to have even an enlarged role in federal water planning.2 Further, a recent attempt by the United States Department of Justice to expand the reserved water rights of National Forests to protect instream water for fish and wildlife was rejected by the Supreme Court on the grounds that such federal claims infringed upon the historic role of states in water allocation. According to the governor of Utah, United States v. New Mexico chills the influence of a previous line of precedent that asserted federal supremacy in water.3 An inscription on the wall of the Colorado State Capitol proclaims, "Here is the land where life is written in water." Historically Westerners have believed that economic development and quality of life depend upon securing an abundant water supply. Since states have successfully asserted their independence in determining water allocation, the sort of water policy that states are likely to pursue becomes an important policy question. The allocation of water resources is particularly significant in fastest growing and most arid states. Consequently, the focus of this article is upon the Four Corners States of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. At least theoretically, state legislatures are well positioned to respond to demands for water policy. Therefore, our analysis will concentrate upon the role of state legislatures in water allocation. In the argument that follows we will describe first the constraints that growing demands and the physical realities of limited water supplies place on decisionmakers. Without new, large-scale, federally sponsored water projects augmenting supply, which now appear unlikely, the only reasonable course would seem to be reallocation of existing water among users. Since irrigated agriculture is the largest water user, it appears logical that its water supplies will be sacrificed to serve energy, cities, and other emerging demands where water would have a higher economic value. However, as data from public and legislators' opinion surveys

Water Problems of Urbanizing Areas

Abstract: Proceedings of the Research Conference on Water Problems of Urbanizing Areas, held in New England College, Henniker, New Hampshire, July 16-21, 1978. Sponsored by the Universities Council on Water Resources and ASCE Urban Water Resources Research Council. \IWater Problems of Urbanizing Areas\N contains many papers covering a broad range of relevant issues in water management in urban settings. Topics include water pollution technology, water quality interfaces and institutional aspects, water supply and flood control, and a consultant’s report. These proceedings will be of interest to both practitioners and researchers in the field of water resource planning.

Water crisis: it's almost here

Abstract: There is plenty of water, but when demand grows faster than supplies, a crisis results. The amount of water is the same as ever; a water shortage means that there are more uses and users for the water than available supplies. In the past, the US supply has usually been adequate, but with the proposed development of massive sources of energy, usage could create the shortage. A rise in water usage will force the kinds of hard choices that are at the center of every water war. Water availability in various regions of the US are discussed; without more water, the demographics of the last decade could reverse quickly. The author points out that the growth of the Sunbelt states could shrivel as fast as it has blossomed, while northeastern states, that have abundant water supplies, could witness a surprising resurgence. The concern of the American Indian, farmers, industry, and energy source developers about water supplies is noted. In forming water policies, it is important to give some preference to projects where water is not consumed - that is, in which it is not diverted for long periods of time from its natural channels. Water quality and existing legislation protectingmore » this quality are briefly reviewed. Some measures of conservation of water are recommended. If so much water is not used for a process, this means more is available immediately for perhaps a more necessary process. The ultimate solution is the desalination of ocean water; oceans contain 97% of the world's water. (MCW)« less

Western Economic Development and Water Planning: Bureau of Reclamation

Abstract: This paper reviews the early and recent history of the relations between water planning and economic development in the West and Bureau of Reclamation activities. The objectives of Bureau development projects have shifted from the agrarian egalitarian goals of the past to provision of municipal and industrial water and power and recreation and othe benefits as the relative benefits to agriculture have declined. The economic efficiency requirements, the environmental movement, and the concommittent comprehensive planning requirements imposed on Federal projects have resulted in the challenge to development which the Bureau currently faces. Bureau supporters come primarily from states that wish to confirm water rights and receive agricultural subsidies in the form of cheap water. The development of vast energy resources and population growth may, however, provide new bases for a resurgence of the engineering solutions of the bureau to water scarcity and allocation problems in the West.

Water Planning and the Environment: 1776-1976

Abstract: The history of the ways in which environmental factors have been integrated into water resources planning is divided into three periods. During the first period, the years from 1776 to 1900, there was relatively little concern over the environmental impacts of water projects. The second period, from 1900 to 1970, represents a period during which environmental issues were concerned largely with the elimination of recklessness and waste and the efficient utilization of water resources. Environmental factors sometimes received consideration as a result of the concerns of citizens' groups and as a result of interagency coordination requirements. The third period, the years since 1970, represents a time during which water resources agencies are routinely faced with a host of environmental concerns. Some of these relate to principal concerns of the previous period, i.e., the efficient use of resources. Others, e.g., the preservation of scarce natural environments and the maintenance of ecological stability and diversity, are relatively new issues.

Water Conservation Needs and Implementing Strategies

Abstract: For several years, water conservation has been espoused and implemented in various locations throughout the country, largely in response to the drought in the West and partially as a political measure to provide new direction or emphasis in national water policy. Since the drought management measures were taken quickly and, by necessity, without supporting data, and since political uses of the concept required no corroboration, it appeared worthwhile to hold a conference of scientists and engineers to discuss the evidence available to recommend conservation and to identify the studies still needed to fill the remaining data and analytical needs. The objective of this conference was to explore three major facets of the water conservation concept: (1)The degree to which legislative, administrative, legal, and political sciences and forces can assist, strengthen, or modify national policies regarding water conservation; (2)the technical, engineering and scientific methods available to reduce overall water consumption through changes in the rate of water supply inputs, demand outflows, and changes in storage; and (3)the financial and economic means available to influence supply-demand conditions or the revenue and price consequences of hydrologic changes.