[palderson]

Big problems, create big opportunities. Some of the developments that may occur to address this issue over the next 10+ years:

- Development of a robust water entitlement exchange - Decoupling a water right from the land to create a more tradable asset - Regulation change to allow for water leases - A shift away from growing 'thirsty' crops in drought-prone regions - Decentralization of water treatment plants to reduce distribution costs - Increased use of grey and recycled water in the home - Pricing changes based on its use within high water use industries - Increased use of GM crops designed to require less water - State-sponsored overseas farming specifically for US import of thirsty crops - Less water exporting occurring. I.e. selling thirsty crops to China

And I'm sure, much, much more.

[aurelian]

Why would state sponsored overseas farming of thirsty crops for US import be desirable?

[palderson]

It's something that's occurring elsewhere in the world on the basis of a) a population wanting to consume a thirsty crop such as rice, which requires water they don't have; and, b) not wanting to give up its food security and rely on traditional imports.

I don't know that this is something the US has done but the motivators noted above still stand.