We're getting smarter about using it. (Photo Illustration by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
By Mark Memmott
Americans are using less water than they did 35 years ago and that's "remarkably good news," an expert on such matters just told Morning Edition's Renee Montagne.
Peter Gleick of the nonpartisan Pacific Institute, which studies the environment and related issues, said that word from U.S. Geological Survey about a 5% decline in water usage since the late '70s and early '80s is "astonishing."
What it shows, Gleick said, is that "in fact, we can grow our economy, we can have a growing population ... and not necessarily put more and more demand on water resources."
Here's a clip of Gleick expressing his pleasant surprise:
The major factors behind the decline in usage include boosts in efficiency by industrial and agricultural users. Gleick worries, though, that the welcome trend could end as the nation's population continues to grow in parts of the country -- such as the southwest -- where lawns and gardens require more watering.
Much more from his conversation with Renee is due on tomorrow's Morning Edition. Click here to find an NPR station near you.
And we're wondering:
categories: Environment



