Tucson, Albuquerque and Las Vegas are slowly sinking. Severe drought in the Northwest, where reservoirs have been drawn down to supply power for California, threatens a calamitous summer. Already, salmon are in danger, unable to spawn because of low water. In the Southeast, drought has further depleted aquifers, letting in seawater. Desperate Florida authorities seek federal clearance to replenish underground water with untreated runoff.
Scientists expect problems to worsen if global warming upsets rainfall patterns.
Dams and diversions may aggravate crises. As deltas and wetlands dry, ecosystems suffer. Most experts believe people won't save water until it costs what it is actually worth. Water is now essentially free. Most consumers pay only the cost of treatment and delivery.