Water in the 21st century:How U.S. metropolitan

growth impacts our water infrastructure

September 2008

StephanieLauraPattyMatt

Water in the 21st century:Goals for discussion

• Water consumption: What parties are impacted?

• Urban sprawl: How does growth, design, and infrastructure impact water consumption?

• National resource solutions: What are the conventional proposals to strengthen water infrastructure?

• Conclusion: What are the consequences for not enacting water infrastructure projects on a local, state and national level?

Water in the 21st century:Water consumption

“Many drinking water and wastewater systems were built 100 years ago and are nearing the end of their useful life”

Water in the 21st century: Urban sprawl

• Population growth: How does this impact water consumption?

1. Water quality 2. Water restrictions (e.g. summer) 3. Equal distribution

“Our population increases add to the burden on existing water systems. The Census Bureau projects that the U.S.

population will reach 450 million by 2050.”

Water in the 21st century: National resource solutions

• What are the small/large solutions to water consumption?

1. Increased federal regulation for more efficient water pumping stations & facilities

2. Tax benefits for implementing new technology to increase water supply efficiency

3. Use more environmentally friendly standards for water consumption

“Communities can benefit by sharing financial solutions, sustainability research, and innovative technologies.”

Water in the 21st century:Conclusions

• Technology, conservation, environmentally friendly standards and new water plant infrastructure development will all contribute to a stronger national water system for the U.S.

• Water quality standards: Video clip• http://pubweb.epa.gov/waterscience/standa

rds/academy/keyconcepts/video/mod1_p4.html

Water in the 21st century:Questions?

Web links

• Water in the 21st century

http://pubweb.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/academy/keyconcepts/mod1/page4.htm

http://forests.org/shared/reader/welcome.aspx?linkid=86794&keybold=water+drought+relief

http://www.repamerica.org/fl/OLD%20issues.html

http://www.time.com/nation/article/0,8599,1720641,00.html