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KBIA's ongoing coverage of the midwest's worst drought in half a century.

Growth, Drought May Strain Southwest Missouri Water Supply

Lance Cheung
/
USDA

A nonprofit says drought and population growth may put a strain on water sources in southwest Missouri.

The Joplin Globe reports that Tri-State Water Resource Coalition has initialed a number of studies over the years to examine water sources as well as demand throughout a 16-county region in southwest Missouri. The coalition is a nonprofit that aims to find and secure reliable water supplies in the Ozarks.

Much of the region sits atop the Ozark aquifer, which is the main source of water for most of the region's communities.

There is a consensus within the coalition that a prolonged drought coupled with expected population growth means additional water sources may be needed as early as 2030.

The group says it has considered reservoir sites in Jasper County and Newton County, but is now leaning toward the use of existing large reservoirs.

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