How’s this for a water-geek yawner of a title? Water Availability for the Western United States–Key Scientific Challenges.

But this circular from the U.S. Geological Survey has striking content. It discusses the numerous pressures on Western water: the effects of population growth, groundwater contamination, global warming, and water laws that still pretend that ground water and surface water are somehow separate. It also has groovy graphs and maps showing everything from temperature rises across the West to the numbers of active and inactive mines at river headwaters. My personal favorite factoid: 60% of Arizona’s population depends on (likely unsustainable) groundwater pumping for their water supply. This, in a state experiencing an extraordinary drought, and the second fastest growth rate in the nation (HCN: Arizona Returns to the Desert).

The circular then notes that “Deeply ingrained in society is the concept that science will deliver a technological solution to the most vexing issues” and then talks about how science can be used to help decision-makers pursue “sustainability” in a number of instances: protecting endangered species, estimating sustainable groundwater use, recharging ground water and protecting valued ecosystems.

The funny part is that many of the case studies the report cites — the Klamath River (HCN: Sound Science Goes Sour), the Middle Rio Grande (HCN: Domenici clobbers cooperation on the Rio Grande), the San Pedro River (HCN: A Thirst for Growth and HCN: Death of the San Pedro: not if, but when) — seem to exemplify how scientific data gathering can provide wonderful information, which will then be either ignored or twisted to suit short-term political interests. It almost makes you want to retitle this water-geek circular as:

Eyes Wide Shut: Ignoring water science in the West until things get really really bad.

Happy Friday!