US Southeast Needs To Boost Water Efficiency, Diversity Supply In Face Of Climate Threat - AJC

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Southeastern states should diversify their water sources and boost efficiency measures to prepare for an uncertain supply that may become even more unpredictable amid climate change, a new report released by a national conservation group concludes.

The National Wildlife Federation released a report Thursday urging regional water planners to pour more resources into plugging leaks and increasing water efficiency rather than building new reservoirs.

The report warned that climate change could cause longer dry seasons, heavier rainy seasons and rising sea levels that could lead to more saltwater intrusions. Each would make the region’s water supply even more uncertain.

“Global warming presents new challenges for managing America’s water resources, especially in our southeastern states,” said Amanda Staudt, a climate scientist for the federation. “To prevent the worst impacts of climate change and limit the impacts on communities and wildlife, we must reduce global warming pollution.” The Southeast is in the grips of an epic drought that has forced water managers to restrict water use and prompted state officials to squabble over shared resources.


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http://www.ajc.com/services/content/metro/stories/2008/11/21/southern_drought.html