The US turned to water in the latest eelctions.   By an average of 65 percent of the vote, measures to protect the water supply in America were passed by citizens.  Nineteen states approved water conservation funding.  Twenty-seven state and local ballot measures will dedicate more than $20 billion to open space, water protection, parks, and trails.

At the same time, despite a 4 percent increase in population, public water supply withdrawals declined.  Power-plant conversions to more efficient systems and environmental protection are among the reasons cited.  Persistent drought has an impact on domestic use.