Gordon Chairs Congressional Hearing On Water Supply Challenges
May 14, 2008, WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon chaired a House Science and Technology Committee hearing focusing on the challenges facing the United States’ water supply.
“In Tennessee, the first eight months of 2007 were the driest in the last 118 years,” said Gordon. “I hear from farmers whose water supplies have shrunk and homeowners whose wells have run dry. Towns have been forced to implement water restrictions to deal with decreased supply. It’s been bad in Tennessee, but it’s not unique to us. The entire nation is facing these challenges, and they must be addressed.”
Population growth, changes in water use, competing demands for water supply, degradation of water quality and climate change are factors that affect the availability and use of water. As the U.S. population grows and groundwater tables decline, experts warn the U.S. water supply cannot support future populations and economic activity at its current rate of consumption.
“With investment in research and development and public education on water supply status, we may be able to avoid the high costs and environmental damage that comes with water shortages,” said Gordon.
More than 50,000 water utilities nationwide require approximately 40 billion gallons of water per day to supply water for consumption, industrial needs and other uses. An adequate supply of treated water is critical to many industries, including agriculture, power generation and manufacturing.
Water shortages can negatively affect companies and industries, resulting in reduced job creation and retention. When severe water shortages occur, the economic effect can be substantial. According to a 2000 report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, water shortages from drought or heat waves each resulted in at least $1 billion in monetary losses over the past 20 years.
Gordon said his committee is advancing legislation to help the Untied States use its water resources more effectively through increased efficiency practices and additional research in water treatment.
