water, water (not) everywhere...

Right now we're fighting around the world for oil. In the not-so-distant future, don't be surprised if we go to war over an even more valuable resource: water. From the Gant Daily:

Are Water Wars in our Future?

By Lisa Duchene

"Freshwater access is a classic example of the tragedy of the commons," said Robert B. Packer, lecturer in political science at Penn State, who studies international political economy and the causes of war. "As with all common resources, unlimited demand and waste by some can lead to depletion of the resource for all. The hydroelectric dams that power the air conditioners of Las Vegas and Phoenix have depleted the waters of the Colorado River for agriculture. Heavy pesticide and fertilizer chemical use in agriculture has spoiled drinking water in many parts of the globe."

Now before you get all apoplectic about Vegas corporate interests depleting the planet, holster it. The Nevada tourism industry has been out in front of this crisis, leaning on the hotels and casinos to conserve water.

NPR did a story about it back in 2003: Las Vegas Copes with New Water-Use Limits

They also covered it last year during its Struggling Over Water series:

• Stakes High for Las Vegas Water Czar
• Las Vegas Water Battle: Crops vs Craps

...i'd still hate to see the electric bill for vegas.

NPR aired an interesting piece yesterday concerning water consumption in the western states, particularly Nevada. THe focus of the story was on Patricia Mulroy, Las Vegas' "water czar."

For those who are not in-the-know, water has basically become a commodity; not just in the desert either. Some regions do not have enough water of their own and must buy water from elsewhere. This is why Las Vegas offers tax incentives for locals to forego a traditional lawn, in favor of non-water-dependent landscaping.

Outsiders might think the tourism is one of the key factors in high water consumption in Vegas. Not so, according to Mulroy. Here is Mulroy's money quote from the story:

"The entire Las Vegas Strip uses 3 percent of our water resources," she says. "And they are the economic driver in the state of Nevada, bar none."

Shocking, perhaps. But I still would hate to see the electric bill for the Strip. I digress.

Here's the rest of the story (including audio) on Patricia Mulroy and water in Vegas, Stakes High for Las Vegas Water Czar