The document discusses U.S. water rights policy and the energy-water nexus in the U.S. It outlines two systems of water law - prior appropriation in western states based on "first in time, first in right" and riparian rights in eastern states giving rights to landowners. The energy-water nexus and policy options are also discussed, including generating and sharing improved data, implementing efficient technologies, and incentivizing conservation. Las Vegas is presented as a case study for water management through recycling, efficiency measures, and incentives that have reduced residential water use from 650 to 75 gallons per day.

1. Managing the water and
energy challenge at a national
scale: The U.S. perspective
Kelly A. Kryc
Water and Power Advisor
U.S. Department of State

2. U.S. Water Rights Policy
Water considered a common resource in the United States – No national policy
Two systems of water law:
1. Prior Appropriation doctrine in western States – “first in time, first in right”
• Reflects scarcity of water
• Rigid in allocating new users water
2. Riparian doctrine in the eastern States – water belongs to the land owner for
reasonable use
• Reflects abundance of water
• Vague, no means to protect certain uses

3. The Energy-Water Nexus in the U.S.

4. Energy-Water Nexus Policy Options
 Get data. We need to understand better the problem, the
connections, and the impacts by generating, using, and openly
sharing improved sources of data.
 Deploy technology. We can implement existing, innovative, offthe-shelf technologies that promote energy and water efficiency,
use non-traditional sources of water for energy production and
generation, or create water and energy from waste.
 Work together. Energy and water decision-makers must work
together to ensure that decisions made by one sector don’t impact
the other. We can help by strengthening institutions and
establishing mechanisms for joint planning and development
across sectors.
 Use incentives. Incentives are an effective tool to encourage
conservation of water and energy. We can start working to create
policy and regulatory frameworks that strengthen local capacity
and enable businesses to serve as a catalyst for change.

5. WRI’s Aqueduct
• Aqueduct’s Water Risk Atlas provides information on key water supply and
demand hotspots and enables decision-making around key resources
• Example of business and government partnerships using data to address nexus
problems and assess and manage water risk.

6. Las Vegas, Nevada:
A Case Study in Water Management

7. Las Vegas, Nevada:
A Case Study in Water Management
• Water use on the “strip” uses only 3% of the
water budget due to recycling and water
efficiency measures.
• Water use by residents has decreased from 650
gallons/day to 75 gallons/day.
• Incentives to customers to remove grass
• Raised prices for infrastructure
improvements.
• Water recycling efforts
• Leak prevention programs
• More can be done
• Implement more indoor conservation
methods – installing water efficient fixtures
and appliances could reduce water use in
home by 40%