As water grows scarce, nuclear power can help

Because nuclear power produces large amounts of energy without emitting global-warming gases, it is drawing increasing attention. But it also can play a key role in dealing with another environmental problem that we can’t afford to ignore: water shortages.

Few things are more important than fresh water. And until a few years ago, few things seemed more basic. In the Midwest, we’ve had an abundant supply of water for so long, we’ve taken it for granted.



But the prolonged drought in large parts of the Midwest and elsewhere has reminded us that ensuring an adequate supply of water is never simple, not when water tables in some places have dropped more than a foot in the past decade. Water scarcity is making it more difficult for farmers to grow crops and ranchers to feed livestock. The situation is being exacerbated by increasing needs for water to support industry, ethanol production, urban development and growing populations.

Nor does the end of the water crisis seem in sight. Severe water shortages in California and Texas have produced conditions that are being compared to those of the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. In the spirit of every little bit can help, I have a modest suggestion: Use nuclear power to desalinate seawater.

Des Moines Register