Status of Water Resources Use, Control, and Planning in the United States

This article identifies both the more significant problems in the water resource field and the areas of physical‐science research that will contribute to the understanding and more effective use of this resource. It is hoped that the emphasis this article places upon the basic scientific research needed will help to provide a better basis for water resource planning and policy formulation. Topics covered include: general aspects of the behavior of water in the hydrosphere and general problems that arise from the physical characteristics of water supply and the nature of man's demand for it; the availability of water resources in the U.S. today with respect to the demands for their use; the physical and social aspects of water resource development and allocation; unique considerations that govern the administration and use of water, such as economics and the laws related to water use; areas in need of total socioeconomic‐technologic research; and, specific problems related to the physical‐science aspects of water research.