Developed countries such as the United States should be able to minimize the impacts of these diseases through existing disease prevention and control methods. The headwaters of several rivers originate in Wyoming and flow in all directions into the Missouri, Snake, Great, and Colorado river basins. Within the state, water is plentiful in some parts and scarce in others. The mountains receive abundant precipitation, mostly as snow, which support perennial streams. The plains and intermountain areas are semiarid, and most of the rain there comes during summer thunderstorms.
Surface water is the primary source of water, and irrigation is the largest user.
Groundwater is used where surface supplies are inadequate or need to be supplemented. Winter snow accumulation and spring snowmelt strongly affect many of Wyoming's rivers. A warmer climate could result in less winter snowfall, more winter rain, and faster, earlier spring snowmelt. Less water would be available to support irrigation, hydropower generation, public supply, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and mining. Competition for water could increase on the plains, where agricultural and industrial users compete for available water.