Overview

Climate change is altering the patterns of rainfall, snowfall and runoff, which creates challenges for existing water infrastructure developed with outdated assumptions. Population growth and demographic changes concentrate people in places that are often vulnerable to drought or flood, particularly impacting regions that produce food and energy. At the same time, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources rely on water, and if healthy environments are to persist, states must accommodate their needs through innovative policy solutions. These challenges combine to create a growing policy imperative to make best use of water resources and to ensure that future growth and development is water-efficient and takes into account natural resources needs. This briefing book addresses potential state legislative options to address water scarcity in one major area: water for people.