What US states will run out of water?

No U.S. state will completely "run out" of water, but several, especially in the Southwest and Plains (like California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, Nebraska, Kansas), face severe water stress, using groundwater faster than it replenishes, impacting agriculture and cities due to drought and climate change, with New Mexico facing the highest "extremely high" stress levels. The Colorado River Basin states are renegotiating water rights as supplies dwindle, while others like Mississippi see aquifer decline from farming, showing widespread issues.

What states are running out of water?

Several U.S. states, particularly in the West and Southwest like California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Texas, face severe water shortages due to drought, climate change, and heavy groundwater depletion, impacting agriculture and cities, while states like Oklahoma, Iowa, and Mississippi also struggle with stressed aquifers and failing infrastructure, leading to serious water scarcity issues.
 

Which US state is safest from climate change?

The Northeast offers better prospects, particularly Vermont and New Hampshire, which rank as the two safest states from climate change. Vermont stands out as a haven – free from wildfires, extreme heat, and hurricanes.

Where is the best place to live for water supply?

• Places with lots of water include:
• The Islands of Northwest Washington State
• The Alaska Panhandle+
• Northern Michigan (both Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula) +
• The Florida Keys*
• The Mississippi River Delta*
• The Outer Banks of North Carolina*
• Cape Cod, Massachusetts+

Is the United States in danger of running out of water?

Water supplies are not running out, but time is getting short to stem waste of water and destructive exploitation of the environment before harm is done that may be irreparable.

10 US States Running Out of Water by 2026 (Shocking New Data)

What states are least likely to run out of water?

While no U.S. state is entirely immune to water issues, states like Vermont, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Alaska, Hawaii, and parts of the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon) are considered highly resistant due to abundant rainfall, vast lakes, Great Lakes access, or consistent ocean moisture, offering greater water security than arid regions. The Northeast and Upper Midwest generally fare better with plentiful fresh water, while the West and Southwest face greater drought vulnerability. 

Are we heading towards a water crisis?

The world is facing a water crisis – it's estimated that by 2030 global demand for water will exceed sustainable supply by 40%. Water is a highly complex and fragmented area. That is why collaboration is key to helping solve this challenge, experts say.

What is the cleanest state in the US?

Hawaii consistently ranks as the cleanest state due to its exceptional air and water quality, driven by clean ocean air and aquifer-sourced water, often topping lists for natural environment and low pollution, with other top contenders for overall environmental quality including Vermont, Massachusetts, and Washington. These states excel in metrics like Air Quality Index (AQI), minimal pollution, strong environmental policies, and access to clean drinking water.
 

Which state has the poorest water quality?

There's no single "worst" state, as it depends on the contaminants and metrics, but Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Arizona, and California frequently appear on lists for poor water quality, facing issues like PFAS, lead, chromium-6, and industrial pollutants, with Pennsylvania often cited for the most violations and Arizona for high carcinogens like chromium-6. 

What town has the best water in the United States?

Towns and Cities with the Best Tap Water in the U.S.

• Emporia, Kansas.
• Eldorado, Colorado.
• Independence, Missouri.
• Memphis, Tennessee.
• Louisville, Kentucky.
• St. Paris, Ohio.
• Des Moines, Iowa.
• Macon, Georgia.

What US states will be hit hardest by climate change?

Coastal states like Florida and South Carolina are most at risk of the impacts of climate change. Extreme heat, drought, inland flooding, wildfires, and coastal flooding are some of the most devastating effects of climate change. The effects of climate change can cost homeowners thousands of dollars in damages.

What US state has the best weather all year round?

While "best" is subjective, California (especially coastal areas like San Diego, Santa Barbara) and Hawaii consistently rank highest for comfortable, mild year-round weather, with California offering diverse climates and Hawaii providing tropical warmth and ocean breezes, though coastal California has earthquakes and Hawaii has humidity. Other contenders include parts of Arizona, Florida, and South Carolina, depending on preference for sun, low humidity, or mild winters. 

What state in the US has never had a tornado?

Tornadoes have been documented in every U.S. state (not including the non-state territories of Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico) at least once since 1950, although some regions and states are hit by tornadoes far more than others.

Which state has the most water shortages?

Top 10 Water-Scarce States in India

• Karnataka. ...
• Gujarat. ...
• Andhra Pradesh. ...
• Madhya Pradesh. ...
• Telangana. ...
• Tamil Nadu. ...
• Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, has its own set of water issues. ...
• Haryana. Haryana, in northern India, faces water scarcity because of its agricultural practices and overuse of groundwater.

What is the driest state in the USA?

The driest state in the USA is Nevada, consistently receiving the least annual rainfall, averaging less than 10 inches per year, far below the national average, largely because the Sierra Nevada mountains block Pacific moisture. Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, and New Mexico follow as the next driest states, all characterized by desert climates with very low precipitation.
 

What capital is running out of water?

Iran is looking to relocate the nation's capital because of severe water shortages that make Tehran unsustainable. Experts say the crisis was caused by years of ill-conceived dam projects and overpumping that destroyed a centuries-old system for tapping underground reserves.

Who has the worst drinking water in the USA?

The "worst" drinking water in the U.S. varies by contaminant and location, but Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, New Jersey, and Ohio frequently rank poorly due to widespread issues like lead from old pipes, industrial chemicals (PFAS, Chromium-6), disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, HAA5), and agricultural runoff, with cities like Newark, Pittsburgh, and Flint facing major challenges, though areas in California and Mississippi also see extreme contamination levels like high arsenic and nitrates, affecting millions. 

Which states should you not drink tap water?

You can't drink tap water in every state at all times, as quality varies by location and issues like Flint, MI, or California's rural systems show, but generally, states often flagged for significant violations include Pennsylvania, Texas, West Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey, California, and Michigan, due to contaminants (like lead, PFAS, chromium-6) or infrastructure problems, though the EPA ensures most US water meets standards, requiring filters or bottled water for peace of mind in troubled areas.
 

What state is #1 in quality of life?

There isn't one single answer, as it depends on the study, but recent reports often name Massachusetts, Vermont, or New Jersey as #1 for Quality of Life, with Massachusetts leading in overall metrics (health, education) and Vermont shining in specific areas like low crime and natural environment. Other top contenders include Idaho, Minnesota, and New York, highlighting that rankings vary based on whether they emphasize healthcare, economy, safety, or environment. 

What is the least toxic state to live in?

Forty-three states and Washington, DC, have a healthy average AQI. Hawaii's is the best (24.2), followed by Alaska (27.9), and Maine (34.8). Arizona is the only state with an unhealthy average AQI, at 101.8. Nationally, the average AQI was 48.6 in 2021.

What is the safest state to live in?

The safest states to live in consistently rank high for low crime (violent and property), strong financial health, and good emergency preparedness, with Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine frequently appearing at the top of 2025 lists from sources like WalletHub and World Population Review. Other top contenders often include Massachusetts, Utah, Idaho, and Connecticut, while factors like cybercrime rates and road safety also play a role in overall safety scores. 

What year will the world not have enough water?

By the year 2040 there will not be enough water in the world to quench the thirst of the world population and keep the current energy and power solutions going if we continue doing what we are doing today.

What states are most stressed about water?

The water stress is high in California, Arizona, Colorado and Nebraska. We are rolling drunk on the planet's most important resource- water. Water scarcity is a global issue, which means we have problems in our own backyard.

How to prep for a water shortage?

Indoor Water Conservation Tips Before a Drought

1. Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. ...
2. Fix dripping faucets by replacing washers. ...
3. Check all plumbing for leaks and have any leaks repaired by a plumber.
4. Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.