The term Peak Water is the point when water which was once abundant is or has become more scarce. Indicators of this point will center on the cost of water and its availability. The latter indicates to users that conservation has now become imperiative to preserve this valuable commodity. Unfortunately any commodity which once was abundant will always be treated as abundant even when the warning signs indicate a scarcity is developing and that conservation is warranted. The world is facing this predicament as population growth continues almost unabated, but commodities including water are not increasing. The purpose of this board is to discuss the trends that are affecting the availability of pure water found deep in the ground, and in fresh water lakes, streams and rivers. Ground water is found in aquifers. "An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, silt, or clay) from which groundwater can be usefully extracted using a water well." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquifer Without adequate pure water, all you can envision of the earth is a picture of a desert void of plant growth. Simply put, life will cease to exist without pure water. The salt water of the earth is much more plentiful and supports marine organisms, which are important food source, but cannot be readily used directly to drink or irrigate the land masses. Pure water, on the other hand, is nesessary for every human being and animal. Compromised water will adversely affect people's health. Prolonged consumption of impure water can have dire results. USGS Groundwater Watch http://groundwaterwatch.usgs.gov/ Peak Oil #board-6609