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In the near future, there is only Water Wars! Well, not really, but it could happen. Could also lead to water being a valuable resource like in Tank Girl. Well, probably not.

http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN10405131

Western cities from Los Angeles to Las Vegas are looking for ways to reduce water consumption as population growth strains resources. "There is going to have to be a big adjustment in the American Southwest and in California as we come to grips with limits in this century -- not just limited water, but also limited water supply," said James Powell, author of the book "Dead Pool." California's third year of drought led Gov. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to ask urban areas to use 20% less water this year.

Most Americans take things like roads and clean water for granted, when even 100 years ago, the need and value for both was understood since they were limited (at least outside major urban areas).

And this is why I'm okay with living where I do, despite the cold and the taxes.

This is what happens when you build cities in the middle of deserts. When the financial climate is there you just ship the stuff in, now it's not so stable a thing to rely on it starts to struggle. Water is the primary reason europe and asia (i.e. places with wet climates) have developed better through history, with the worst contender, Africa, still way behind today.

I'm reminded of Sam Kinison right now. Don't send them water, send them luggage and U-Hauls!

Read Dave Thompson's "In Nevada" for a consideration of water resources in the California and south Nevada region.

I live in Atlanta, so my region is currently going through the same thing. The problem has been aggravated by the fact that when Republicans took over in the early 00's they axed plans to build new reservoirs because the plans had been written up by Democrats. So now we have to deal with water rationing in the summer (with steep fines if you get caught breaking watering rules) and pay way more then most of the rest of the country for water.

I have plenty of water. Then again, if a military base the size of Vandenberg(150 Sq Miles) didn't have its own reservoirs, that would be pretty stupid.

Would you believe that the UK has had several drought years recently, including hosepipe bans?

There is nowhere in the UK more than 90 miles from the sea.

And we are not exactly known for our fierce, hot summers.

Most of Eastern Australia has been in drought for several years (broken last year) and Brisbane was down to 20% water left in the dams.

We've had several years of water restrictions and hose bans. A few months ago we were allowed to use hoses again... for half an hour per week.

So when we went to the US in August 2007, to see hired gardeners hosing the footpath in LA, the eye dazzlingly green grass of the Las Vegas suburbs and the 25 litre single flush toilet (In Oz we have dual flush with 7L and 11L options) in Planet Hollywood casino it was shocking.

Of course you will run out of water in the south west, its a desert.... and people are moving there.
Cut consumption per capita and water will last longer.

I live in cali and i have been getting mail from water department to "conserve" water. Yeah right like i am going consevre water, i am that guy who water his lawn when it rains muhahahahahahaha.

I live in South Carolina and we've been in draught now for as long as atlanta. Although all that rain two weeks ago helped a bit. Hopefully this summer wont be too brutal, yeah right i know im dreaming for that!!

I live about a half mile from Lake Erie, so I'm going to raise a toast to all you thirsty bastards! The rust belt might be losing jobs and respect and relevance, but we have plenty of fresh, drinkable water....

I live on the Chesapeake Bay, so no problem for me.

I was pretty happy that they passed the Great Lakes compact here in Wisconsin. No point in sending water to places that were never meant to have water.

Polonius wrote:I live about a half mile from Lake Erie, so I'm going to raise a toast to all you thirsty bastards! The rust belt might be losing jobs and respect and relevance, but we have plenty of fresh, drinkable water....

until zombies start dieing in it

99MDeery wrote:

Polonius wrote:I live about a half mile from Lake Erie, so I'm going to raise a toast to all you thirsty bastards! The rust belt might be losing jobs and respect and relevance, but we have plenty of fresh, drinkable water....

until zombies start dieing in it

You filter chunks of zombies out of water. It's getting salt out of water that is the problem.

Saudi Arabia uses a lot of desalination to provide its fresh water.

http://www.water-technology.net/projects/shuaiba/

Of course they are nearer the sea than Las Vegas is.

BloodofOrks wrote:I live in Atlanta, so my region is currently going through the same thing. The problem has been aggravated by the fact that when Republicans took over in the early 00's they axed plans to build new reservoirs because the plans had been written up by Democrats. So now we have to deal with water rationing in the summer (with steep fines if you get caught breaking watering rules) and pay way more then most of the rest of the country for water.

LOL. I live in Georgia as well but I have one major benefit. I have my own well dug. No stupid watering restrictions for me! Everyone should have their own wells.

This works well except when people can't reach an aquifer or the water level in the aquifer falls below the well's bottom, or it runs dry, or when it becomes contaminated.

My family and a lot of my friends live in rural areas, so we all have wells rather than city water. Self-sufficiency FTW!