Support a National Water Census!

Wednesday, Earth Day, the House of Representatives is voting on a bill that implements a National Water Census.

Right now, we don't know how much water we have, where it is, or how it is being used.  The National Water Census will go a long way to helping us find out.

Email your representative today and ask them to support HR 1145, the National Water Research and Development Initiative Act

http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=27089

I am writing to ask you to support HR 1145, the National Water Research and Development Initiative Act.

While many studies have cited a need for comprehensive national water use and availability data, no comprehensive database of water quantity exists.  While the United States Geological Survey has attempted to compile this information, large gaps remain. At current funding levels, it would take twenty to thirty years to complete a nationwide groundwater mapping.  For example, the Groundwater Atlas of the United States provides locations and descriptions of the major aquifers in the U.S., yet the extent of groundwater declines has not been monitored on a regular basis, and the most recent study of the topic was conducted in 1983. 

To remedy this situation, USGS has proposed, and HR 1145 mandates, a national water census.  I believe that this census is essential for confronting the growing crisis of water availability in the United States. 

Sincerely,