Big problems, create big opportunities. Some of the developments that may occur to address this issue over the next 10+ years:
- Development of a robust water entitlement exchange
- Decoupling a water right from the land to create a more tradable asset
- Regulation change to allow for water leases
- A shift away from growing 'thirsty' crops in drought-prone regions
- Decentralization of water treatment plants to reduce distribution costs
- Increased use of grey and recycled water in the home
- Pricing changes based on its use within high water use industries
- Increased use of GM crops designed to require less water
- State-sponsored overseas farming specifically for US import of thirsty crops
- Less water exporting occurring. I.e. selling thirsty crops to China
- Development of a robust water entitlement exchange - Decoupling a water right from the land to create a more tradable asset - Regulation change to allow for water leases - A shift away from growing 'thirsty' crops in drought-prone regions - Decentralization of water treatment plants to reduce distribution costs - Increased use of grey and recycled water in the home - Pricing changes based on its use within high water use industries - Increased use of GM crops designed to require less water - State-sponsored overseas farming specifically for US import of thirsty crops - Less water exporting occurring. I.e. selling thirsty crops to China
And I'm sure, much, much more.