Public Supply Water Use in the Cumberland River Watershed in 2010 and Projections of Public-supply Water Use to 2040

Adequate water resources are vital for municipal needs in the Cumberland River watershed. As a result of continuing population growth, moderate to extreme droughts and floods, demands for competing water resources, and aging infrastructure, the evaluation of ongoing water-resources issues has become increasingly important to Federal, State, and local water-resources managers. In order to assist local decision makers in the watershed, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began a study in 2013 to document groundwater and surface-water withdrawals. Estimates of water use for public supply were projected in 10-year increments through 2040 and were based on 2010 public supply water data and population projections for 2020 through 2040. The [...]