Water Scarcity: Impacts on Western Agriculture

Agricultural production in the semi-arid western United States is dependent on irrigation, but groundwater levels are declining, leading to greater pumping lifts and costs, land subsidence, and salt water intrusion. This book examines the effects of scarce water supplies on agricultural production and the resultant impacts at regional, state, national, and international levels, recommending solutions to forestall an impending water crisis. All segments of society have major stakes in the outcome of any action for future water supplies and distribution in the West.

Format: Hardback
Length: 514 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Agricultural production in the semi-arid western United States is heavily reliant on irrigation. The population in the seventeen western states has been and is projected to continue growing. However, groundwater levels in the region are declining due to prolonged pumping and increased demands, resulting in higher pumping lifts and costs, land subsidence, and saltwater intrusion into groundwater basins. The construction and operation of future water development projects in these states will be substantial, both in terms of monetary expenditure and the economic and social impacts they will have.

The competition for the available water supply is intensifying due to the growing demands from both the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. While some attention has been given to the declining water supplies for irrigated agriculture in specific areas, this volume is the first to comprehensively address the effects of scarce water supplies on agricultural production and their subsequent impacts at regional, state, national, and international levels.

Over seventy experts, representing various physical and social sciences as well as industries, have contributed to this volume. They examine the issues and conclude that significant decisions must be made at all levels of government and private enterprise to maintain the prosperity and quality of life in the region. Specific technical, economic, institutional, and managerial solutions are recommended to prevent an impending water crisis.

All segments of society, including agriculturalists, urbanites, food processors, land developers, environmentalists, and others, have significant stakes in the outcome of any action for future water supplies and distribution in the West. This title is part of UC Press' Voices Revived program, which commemorates the University of California Press' commitment to seeking out and celebrating the diverse voices and perspectives of the world.

Weight: 907g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520357433