It is not just precipitation that is distributed unevenly, consumption is too. Patterns of water consumption follow geographical boundaries rather than physical boundaries related to climate. In the U.S., water development projects and engineering technology have supplied most U.S. cities with ample fresh water. Most of us in this country do not think about where the water comes from when we open the tap or where it goes after disappearing down the drain. Few of us question whether our water supplies are clean or if water will always be easily available. The availability of clean, abundant supplies of water is an assumption that underlies virtually every activity we undertake and every product we use. But aquifers and rivers are not limitless. Many U.S. cities, such as Las Vegas, already have water shortage problems. Other areas of the U.S. are constantly monitored for drought issues.

Drought Impacts in the US, February 9-March 7,2000

--Image Courtesy of the National Drought Mitigation Center