Infographic: U.S. Water Shortage Forecast — 2013 Prediction Map
The extent of state shortages likely over the next decade under average water conditions.
Scientists, researchers, and others warn that the U.S. is entering a new era of water scarcity. A General Accounting Office (GAO) report from 2003 has proven prophetic. The report projected that 36 states could face water shortages by 2013. Five years sooner than forecast, the report has proved disturbingly prophetic.
The states’ water authorities responded to a survey asking them to categorize their potential water problems, and their responses are highlighted here. At least three states that face water challenges — California, New Mexico, and Michigan — did not respond to the survey.
Infographic by Eric Daigh, a Traverse City-based designer for Circle of Blue and can be reached at circleofblue.org/contact. This infographic was made to accompany an article by Keith Schneider, Circle of Blue’s senior editor: U.S Faces Era of Water Scarcity.
Circle of Blue provides relevant, reliable, and actionable on-the-ground information about the world’s resource crises.
I was unaware that Alabama and Mississippi traded names. Someone should correct that.