Ethanol vs. water quality & quantity -- water loses, say scientists

The National Academies of Science released a study today that offers some new cautions about the impact of ethanol production on the nation's water supply.

"If ethanol production continues to rise, the effect on water quality could be considerable and water supply problems could develop," says a news release about the new study.

"Increased pressure on local aquifers used to grow and refine corn into ethanol, high levels of nitrogen in groundwater from pesticides and fertilizers, and runoff pollution in streams and rivers are a few of the potential impacts," the news release notes.

"In terms of water quantity, the committee found that agricultural shifts to growing corn and expanding biofuel crops into regions with little agriculture, especially dry areas, could change current irrigation practices and greatly increase pressure on water resources in many parts of the United States," the release says.

For links to the news release and to the report itself, click here.


--Craig Pittman

Comments

[Ronnie]

This just goes to show, there is always a down side. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. They question, is ethanol better or worse than fossil fuels? I guess it depends on your point of view. Personally, I like drinkable water as much as I like breathable air. At least if I have non-polluted water, I can use it to cool down as temperatures rise.