The combination of 15.9 million groundwater wells active in the United States and the recognition that a great percentage of groundwater is older than 100 years is an indicator that water conflicts are inevitable. Our water needs simply outpace the rate of aquifer replenishment. So, how do you avert water conflict?
Recognize that the answer is not a “zero sum game.” Limitation of water will intermittently occur with greater frequency in years to come. The answer is the mutual gain approach. Develop a process that emphasizes responsibility, respect and trust with everyone involved and accompany scientific opinion with the uncertainties attached to the opinion. The perfect answers grow from dialogues that are rooted in relationship and joint fact finding.