Projected Changes in the Water Cycle

The Water cycle is the equilibrium between evaporation, precipitation, deposition etc. As warmer temperatures effect the evaporation rate of water in the atmosphere it effects the capability of the amount of water the atmosphere can obtain. The change in amount of rainfall is affirmation that the Water Cycle may be changing, "Over the past 50 years, the amount of rain falling during the most intense 1% of storms increased by almost 20% (Karl, T.R. J.M. Melillo, and T.C. Peterson)". Several parts of the United States are facing "water supply issues", because of the increased rate of obtaining water in the atmosphere, some parts are experiencing drought while others parts have an overabundance of water. The areas that are experiencing the decreased rate of water and snow fall are limited in water, making the demand higher, and with the continual population growth rate the high water demand rate becomes higher. The areas that have excess's of water endure impacts on water quality, "For example, in the Northeast and the Midwest increases in heavy precipitation events could cause problems for the water infrastructure, as sewer systems and water treatment plants are overwhelmed by the increased volumes of water. (EPA)". Ample downpours can add the amount of runoff into rivers "and lakes, washing sediment, nutrients, pollutants, trash, animal waste, and other materials into water supplies (Karl, T.R. J.M. Melillo, and T.C. Peterson)" making the river water unsanitary.