Selected Issues in Water Resources & Management

During the next 10 years, many countries important to the United States will experience water problems (shortages, poor water quality, or floods) that will risk instability and state failure, increase regional tensions, and distract them from working with the United States on important U.S. policy objectives. Between now and 2040, fresh water availability will not keep up with demand absent more effective management of water resources. Water problems will hinder the ability of key countries to produce food and generate energy, posing a risk to global food markets and hobbling economic growth. As a result of demographic and economic development pressures, North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia will face major challenges coping with water problems. This book provides an overview of selected issues in water resources and management with a focus on global water security; the causes and issues of drought in the United States; green infrastructure and issues in managing urban stormwater and stormwater permits; water resource issues in the 113th Congress; and regulation of power plant wastewater discharges.