Water scarcity in the United States is an increasing problem and it's estimated that more than 50% of the Continental U.S. has experienced drought conditions since 2000.
[1] Water scarcity has far-reaching implications for society, economy, and the environment, affecting sectors such as public health, agriculture, industry, and biodiversity.
Water scarcity poses a threat to ecosystems and biodiversity, primarily through its impact on aquatic habitats, rivers, wetlands, and lakes.
The decline in biodiversity can also disrupt vital ecosystem services such as water filtration, flood regulation, and nutrient cycling, leading to further ecological imbalances.
[5] The oldest, the Ashelkon Plant (which began operation in 2005) can produce up to 120 million cubic meters of potable water in one year.
The Palmachim plant (which began operation in 2007) can produce up to 100 million cubic meters of potable water in a year.
The Hadera plant (which began operation in 2009) can produce up to 127 million cubic meters of potable water in a year.
Localities such as Las Vegas have begun to limit outdoor swimming pool sizes in an effort to save water.
[13] Novel technologies such as small-medium scale solar powered desalination systems are being developed in Israel to supply farming operations and hotels with potable water.
In the American West, water scarcity largely revolves around a drought which is drying up the Colorado River, the primary source of freshwater for a number of Western States.
[15][16] As an intrinsic human need, water and its accessibility remains a universal concern that accentuates the vital importance of having a reliable and safe supply for its myriad of uses so much hygienic as agricultural.
[18] In addition, rainwater harvesting in conjunction with cloud seeding has been receiving more attention for the western United States where acute drought stricken regions are desperate for any uptick in precipitations.