"The Future is Drying Up"

In the article "The Future is Drying Up", Jon Gertner explains the growing problems faced in the west regarding water conservation and drought conditions.  He visits places like Aurora, CO, and speaks with people like Pat Mulroy, with the Southern Nevada Water Authority.  The basis of this article regards the Colorado River, with 7 states and over 30 million people dependant on its dwindling resources, how long will it last?  This article also explores the economic aspect of possessing water, as, unlike the east, economic growth is based solely on water availability, not land availability.  With so many people, states, and even countries (Mexico has small rights due to a treaty), lack of water could result in a blundering legal matter with "farmers suing the federal government; cities suing cities; states suing states; Indian nations suing state officials; and foreign nations (by treaty, Mexico has a small claim on the river) bringing international law to bear on the United States government" (2).  This article brings to light many issues that most don't realize are even there.  We have all heard stories about 3rd world countries have serious water problems, but while we focus elsewhere, our water conditions are growing eerily similar.