#Water Crisis in U.S.: Growing populations, rapid urbanization and chronic underinvestment

In a previous post about water conservation and smart metering, we highlighted that the use of advanced metering infrastructure can help identify leaks by comparing similar water flows at different points, similar to electric theft or fault schemes. Smart meters can also provide more awareness on usage and stimulate a conservation effect.

Xylemic Inc produced an interesting infographic about the water crisis in the U.S., the level of awareness among Americans, and some enlightening stats.

The water crisis is intimately related to the energy crisis, as most energy generation options are water intensive, as does hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") used in the natural gas extraction boom. "The World Meteorological Organization estimates, assuming the renewable water resources will remain unchanged, that the number of countries facing water stress will increase from 29 today to 34 in 2025."