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Abstract
Excerpts: The consideration of any one use of water must be treated as an integral part of an analysis of water requirements for all uses by all sectors of the economy. The shorter the supply of water, the more essential the need for taking account of all competing uses. Consideration of the water needs for any particular purpose is but an initial step in approaching the problem of comprehensive multipurpose development. The problem for this paper might be stated in these terms: Can we foresee a time when water shortages now evident in some areas will become more widespread, thus creating a national water problem? when using water for one purpose means giving up some other purpose? for example, when increasing irrigation might mean limiting industrial use? when increasing industrial use might mean limiting fish production or recreation? Will we reach a point where the availability of the water resource affects not only economic productivity but also limits economic activity in an area and thus restricts employment? I will attempt to explore these questions in terms of economic growth at the national level and to explore how variations in the occurrence of water resources influence regional economic development as distinguished from national economic growth.