In a groundbreaking study published in *Frontiers in Water* (translated to English as “Frontiers in Water”), researchers have developed a comprehensive water inventory for the contiguous U.S. and an interactive application to analyze water availability across multiple spatial scales. This research, led by Ingrid Cintura from the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at Iowa State University, offers a promising solution to the growing challenges of water scarcity and declining water quality.
The study categorizes water into traditional sources—surface runoff and recharge—and four sources for reuse: rainwater, stormwater, treated wastewater, and agricultural runoff. By utilizing multiple reanalysis datasets and geospatial databases, the researchers estimated water volumes covering 48 states, 3,108 counties, and 31,099 communities. This detailed inventory is a significant step forward in integrated water resources management, providing stakeholders with the data they need to make informed decisions.
The interactive application, WaterWise, allows users to analyze water availability and generate charts of water volumes by source. “This tool is a game-changer for water management,” says Cintura. “It enables users to aggregate data at community, county, state, and watershed levels, making it easier to identify opportunities for water reuse and optimize resource allocation.”
The findings highlight that water reuse is a sustainable solution to U.S. water scarcity. Favorable climate conditions in the eastern U.S. make water reuse highly feasible, while in the west, strategies must be adapted regionally to optimize available resources and enhance resilience to future water challenges.
This research has significant implications for the energy sector, where water is a critical resource for various processes, including cooling and extraction. By providing accurate data and advanced tools, this study can help energy companies develop more sustainable water management practices, reducing their environmental impact and improving operational efficiency.
As water scarcity continues to be a pressing issue, this research offers a roadmap for sustainable water management. “Our goal is to empower decision-makers with the tools they need to address water scarcity and ensure a sustainable future,” Cintura explains. The WaterWise application and the comprehensive water inventory developed in this study are significant steps in that direction, offering a promising solution to the challenges of water scarcity and declining water quality.
This research not only provides a valuable resource for water management but also sets the stage for future developments in the field. As technology advances and data becomes more accessible, the potential for innovative solutions in water reuse and management will continue to grow, shaping the future of sustainable water resources.