Policy Issues Regarding Water Availability and Water Quality in Agriculture in the United States

Dennis Wichelns Rivers Institute at Hanover College Workshop on Environment, Resources, and Agricultural Policies in China June 19-21, 2006. Beijing

Background
Most issues involving water supply and water quality result from two trends in American society: 1. Increasing competition for scarce resources, and 2. Changing social preferences regarding the environment and natural resources.

Before 1970, water was plentiful, and water allocation was not a major problem.

Beginning in the 1970s, many Americans became concerned about the environment.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Americans became concerned about the impacts of agriculture, cities, and industries on water resources.

Current Issues: Water Availability

1. Establishing and adjusting water rights and allocations 2. Encouraging efficient use 3. Stopping groundwater overdraft 4. Using surface water and groundwater together effectively 5. Predicting the impacts of long-term changes in climate

Many farmers have sold or leased their water supply to cities and to the environment in recent years.

Current Issues: Water Quality

1. Balancing water quality goals with the need for economic growth 2. Understanding new information 3. Reducing nonpoint source pollution 4. Balancing agricultural programs with environmental policies 5. Predicting long-term impacts of new pollutants (synthetic compounds)

Example 1: California
Water Quality in San Joaquin Valley Constituents of Concern (Se, B, Salt) Agriculture, Cities, Environment Best Management Practices Water Quality Monitoring Water Sales from Farms to Cities

Furrow irrigation and other surface irrigation methods are very common in the San Joaquin Valley.

Example 2: Texas and Kansas

Overdraft of Groundwater Ogallala Aquifer Fossil Water Primarily Corn, Wheat, Soybeans Groundwater is Scarce and Valuable Policies are different in different states New interest in growing corn for ethanol could increase pressure on groundwater in the region.

The Ogallala Aquifer lies beneath several states. The groundwater supply is not renewable. It is being mined over time. Policy conflict: water management, crop production, ethanol.

Summary
1. Many issues regarding water availability and water quality in America are similar to those in China. 2. Increasing demands place new pressures on limited resources. 3. Changing social preferences call for new policies and allocations. 4. Innovation and commitment are needed to ensure wise resource use.

Thank you very much. I welcome your questions. www.riversinstitute.org