thumbnail

Integrating physical and economic data into experimental water accounts for the United States: Lessons and opportunities

Ecosystem Services
By: , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2020.101182

Links

Abstract

Water management increasingly involves tradeoffs, making its accounting highly relevant in our interconnected world. Physical and economic data about water in many nations are becoming more widely integrated through application of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounts for Water (SEEA-Water), which enables the tracking of linkages between water and the economy. We present the first national and subnational SEEA-Water accounts for the United States. We compile accounts for water: (1) physical supply and use, (2) productivity, (3) quality, and (4) emissions for roughly the years 2000 to 2015. Total U.S. water use declined by 22% from 2000 to 2015, falling in 44 states though groundwater use increased in 21 states. Water-use reductions, combined with economic growth, led to increases in water productivity for the overall national economy (65%), mining (99%), and agriculture (68%). Surface-water quality trends were most evident at regional levels, and differed by water-quality constituent and region. This work provides (1) a baseline of recent historical water resource trends and their value in the U.S., and (2) a roadmap for the completion of future accounts for water, a critical ecosystem service. Our work also aids in the interpretation of ecosystem accounts in the context of long-term water resources trends.

    heir value in the U.S., and (2) a roadmap for the completion of future accounts for water, a critical ecosystem service. Our work also aids in the interpretation of ecosystem accounts in the context of long-term water resources trends.

    Study Area

    Publication type Article
    Publication Subtype Journal Article
    Title Integrating physical and economic data into experimental water accounts for the United States: Lessons and opportunities
    Series title Ecosystem Services
    DOI 10.1016/j.ecoser.2020.101182
    Volume 45
    Year Published 2020
    Language English
    Publisher Elsevier
    Contributing office(s) Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
    Description 101182, 21 p.
    Country United States
    Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
    Additional publication details