The Aral Sea in Central Asia has lost two thirds of its volume because of river diversions. In the Punjab, wheat and rice are unsustainable. In Thailand, there's overpumping and Bangkok is sinking. In Palm Desert, Calif., a mere three hours away from here by car, luxury hotels have misting devices to keep their guests comfortable while they sip Perrier by the pool. Palm Desert sits atop a vast underground lake replenished by water from the Colorado River.
Demands are enormous.
It took more than 50 million gallons to fill the Marriott Hotel lobby's indoor lake and waterfalls there, according to the hotel. Outside, even the pink flamingos have a sprinkler all to themselves. On a hundred-degree August day, dive into one of five swimming pools and the sound you hear is the music of Blood, Sweat, and Tears pumped through underwater speakers. But nobody is listening to the cries of the Cocopas. They want to be like the Mexicans and dress like the Americans.