Water


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Photo: National Park Service Mark Schuler, Big Bend National Park

WaterPopulation growth, development, and climate change continue to create challenges for the water supplies on which America and the world rely. Across many parts of the planet, including the arid West of the United States, dwindling water supplies, extended droughts, and rising demand are forcing communities, stakeholders, and governments to explore new ideas and find new solutions that will help ensure stable, secure water supplies for future generations.

The U.S. Department of the Interior has the experience and expertise to help face these challenges. Not only is Interior the largest wholesaler of water in the country -- bringing water to more than 31 million Americans -- but it also provides essential science and maps to understand our resources and manages water supplies to support local communities and promote healthy and productive ecosystems.

This would not be possible, though, without close cooperation with America’s international neighbors and other partners around the world. Indeed, much of the water used in the United States is shared by Canada and Mexico. Cooperation across the border helps protect limited resources and establish shared use, which in turn helps American families, farms, and businesses. More broadly, Interior works in other drought-stricken countries to help communities improve conservation and increase water availability, restore watersheds and resolve longstanding water conflicts. This fosters friendly relations and promotes stability with benefits that extend across borders. It also provides insight into other good practices that in turn can support efficient water management in America. In all of these ways, Interior is tackling water challenges by providing strong leadership and technical assistance around the world and back home in the United States.

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