Is your state bracing for drought?
Sure, California and Texas are worried about water shortages.
But Montana? Delaware? Rhode Island?
In March, California announced mandatory water conservation rules. Most Americans, aware of California’s pain, are sympathetic. And thankful that it’s not happening in their state!
But planners in other states who are paid to look a decade or so down the road are seeing drought in their futures too. The GAO has surveyed state water agencies.
– Montana legislators have directed the state to plan for expected “statewide” water shortages.
– The Kansas Water Office has called for urgent action to reduce drought risks. Given the state’s infamous budget deficit, emphasis has been placed on creative water project financing, perhaps using new public-private partnerships.
– North Carolina has increased the governor’s emergency powers and called for conservation programs.
– Delaware and Rhode Island are predicting water shortages for whole regions of their states. Even Vermont and North Dakota are making plans to increase resilience in the face of expected local shortages.
Oh, and Texas’ response to drought? Yep, a Rainy Day Fund!
If you’re thinking about climate-proofing your family budget and lifestyle, you should take a worried look at the little-noticed risks from water shortages.