http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/DRINKING.HTML
Hawaii is facing a water shortage statewide. In 1901-1910 Oahu used 81 million gallons of water per day. By 1971-1980, Oahu used 265 million gallons per day. Currently the island of Oahu uses 415 million gallons per day. It is projected that by the year 2020, in 20 years, the demand for water will increase so much that there will be a 90 mgd (million gallon per day) deficit. The supply of water is decreasing while the demand for water is skyrocketing. The population is increasing at a steady 1% per year. From 1998, the time of the graph, to July 1 of 2996, the population already increased by more than 70,000 people. Hawaii’s developments, new military bases and agriculture demand more water. The islands artesian wells are being depleted so rapidly that it cannot replenish itself fast enough. Soon, the government will be forced to invest in technology that will purify seawater into drinking water so that there will be enough for everyone.
With water getting as scarce as it is, there is a fight for water. Farmer’s verses agriculture is the main battle for who has the water priority. Usually, the winter’s rain helps to replenish the aquifers but because of droughts and hardly any precipitation, the aquifers are having a harder time refilling itself. According to the National Weather service, Hawaii’s rainfall is 50% below average. This drought is also a cause of Hawaii’s water scarcity. The Board of Water Supply estimates the amount of water that will be used each quarter and already by the first week of May, the state was into its mid to late summer estimates.
Every person who uses water in the state should address this situation immediately. It impacts everyone in every class, gender, race and age. Water is imperative for life by everything in this state and world. Plants, pets, and all animals depend on water for survival. Without water a person would only live up to five days. Our bodies alone are made of 70% water. At the rate this state is going, there will eventually be no water for anyone to use at any price. In 20 years the 90 million gallons of water per day necessary for us to live will not be there. For some in the state, there will be no fresh water running from their faucets. With the supply of water decreasing and the demand for water shooting through the roof, the only thing to help control this will have to be a price increase for water. When that happens, the water shortage will affect everyone but mostly those who cannot afford the new price of water.
Not convinced? Big Island Mayor Harry Kim addresses our current water situation in a matter-of-fact manner.
http://capp.water.usgs.gov/gwa/ch_n/N-HItext3.html
http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/DRINKING.HTML
http://starbulletin.com/2003/05/30/news/story1.html
http://starbulletin.com/2003/07/11/news/story3.html
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