Water & Landsat’s Thermal Band

Irrigation: a numerical explanation

Irrigation accounts for 80% of fresh water use in the U.S and worldwide, the World Bank estimates 70% of fresh water use is for agriculture. The U.S. irrigates over 50 million acres of agricultural land and 32 million acres of recreational landscapes (lawns, golf courses, etc.). The total volume consumed by agriculture and landscape irrigation is 50 trillion gallons per year; western states are responsible for86% of that consumption

Irrigation system in Colorado. Photo credit: USDA

 National Resources Conservation Service

A growing problem

The arid U.S. West is experiencing explosive population growth. The 2000 Census reported that one third of all Americans live in the West, and that the West accounted for half of the overall U.S. population growth over that decade

Seven of the ten fastest growing U.S. cities are found in the West and Albuquerque, El Paso, Las Vegas, and Tucson will not be able to supply enough water for their burgeoning growth with present sources. Recent drought brought about bitter legal battles for the precious water resources of the Rio Grande River highlighting that the river’s waters are stretched thin between the city of Albuquerque, farmers, endangered species, and local Native Americans.

As the West grows, water conservation is coming to the forefront. Water 2025 states, “today’s water supply issues require innovative, locally based approaches that identify solutions in advance of water supply crises