A new study has found that 1/3 of all counties in the lower 48 states will likely face water shortages by 2050.   The study, commissioned by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) assessed future water availability in the face of a changing climate.   The study found that climate change is likely to exacerbate existing pressures on water resources caused by population and economic growth.   Examining the impact of global warming on water supply and demand, they found that 1,100 counties will face higher risks of water shortages.  More than 400 will face very high risks of water shortages. 

In Washington State, most of the counties in the southeastern portion of the state face extreme or high risks, the two extreme being Spokane and Adams counties.