Summary of "Unparalled Freshwater Security: The Challenge of Managing Abundance" by Benjamin L. Ruddell, Ph.D., P.E.

Overview

"Unparalled Freshwater Security" is a comprehensive presentation by Benjamin L. Ruddell, Ph.D., P.E., focusing on the challenges of managing abundant water resources, particularly in the context of the Great Lakes region. Delivered for "Science and Management of the Great Lakes" at the SEAS University of Michigan in December 2018, the presentation delves into various aspects of freshwater security, highlighting the global and local challenges and opportunities.

Key Points

The End of Abundance

• Resource Value: Ruddell discusses the historical perception of abundant resources having no price but some cost, emphasizing the changing reality where water is becoming scarce and valuable.
• Civilizational Evolution: Major civilizations have evolved assuming water abundance, but this assumption is increasingly being challenged.

Global and Local Water Crises

• Global Groundwater Crisis: The presentation references data from NASA's GRACE satellite mission and other studies to illustrate the decline in water storage in major aquifers worldwide.
• California Drought and Groundwater Depletion: Uses California as a case study for unsustainable groundwater depletion strategies during droughts.

US Water Stress

• Saudi Arizona: The presentation touches upon the Gulf States' consumption of groundwater and their investment in farms in California and Arizona to draw down scarce groundwater – a counterpoint to US dependency on Saudi oil.
• Great Lakes Region Water Stress: Discusses minimal stress except in hotspots around large irrigators and cities.

Water Abundance in the Great Lakes Region

• Declining Demand and Increasing Precipitation: The region is experiencing declining total water demand but increasing irrigation demand, coupled with increasing precipitation.
• Minimal Groundwater Depletion: Highlights the low levels of groundwater depletion in the Great Lakes region.
• 2008 Great Lakes Compact: This legislation prohibits water diversions, playing a critical role in the region’s water management.

Water Productivity

• Economic Aspects: Analysis of water productivity in the Great Lakes, emphasizing the high value of water in certain sectors.

Strategic Management and Future Challenges

• Managing a Strategic Resource: Ruddell proposes strategic management of the Great Lakes' water resources, considering future scenarios like the potential need to pipe water to drier regions.
• Opportunities for the Region: The abundance of water in the Great Lakes presents unique social, environmental, and economic strategic advantages.

Projects and Initiatives

• Project Blue Accounting: A project mentioned in the presentation, likely focusing on water resource accounting.
• Project Virtual Water for the Great Lakes: Discusses the concept of virtual water and its relevance to the Great Lakes.
• Project FEWSION: A project aimed at understanding the interdependencies of water, food, and energy systems.

Conclusion

Ruddell's presentation offers a nuanced view of freshwater security, emphasizing the need for strategic management of abundant water resources in the face of global scarcity. It underscores the unique position of the Great Lakes region and the importance of forward-thinking policies and practices to ensure sustainable water use and regional prosperity.