Dedicating his book to his children with the admonishment that "their generation will be more water-smart than preceding ones" Steve Maxwell reveals what he foresees as future trends for water. Casting his eye inside the home, on the farm, and in industry, he relates the technological changes that impact the future sources of water, how utilities transmit and distribute water, the dynamics of the industry, and the role of water in human life.
This book concludes that nations face a water shortage and the competition for water will force conflict worldwide. The myriad of products that require water, from corn to cars, will reflect the higher value. In Colorado, the doctrine of prior appropriation rules the ownership of water rights and compacts govern interstate water administration and management. Maxwell suggests that water policy makers evaluate the consequences of adherence to these basic laws.
Questioning whether water issues stem from a true shortage or mismanagement and faulty allocation, Maxwell stresses an examination of water policies and politics. He broadened the typical conversation of water demand from population growth by acknowledging the three projections of the United Nations--growth, leveling off, and a decline in population in thirty years. Because he considers the last option unlikely, he concludes with four solutions:
"The importance of developing a broader and deeper public understanding of water issues
Adherence to the philosophy of thinking globally while acting locally
Pursuit of incremental technological advances and solutions
Development of smarter laws and policies."
Water consumption in the United States has declined. However, maintaining infrastructure for water quality and quantity will require prices for water that reflect total cost.
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Sam Maxwell discussed his book at the Colorado Water Congress in January, 2012.
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