In my opinion, one of the most likely 'Worst Case Scenarios' for our future involves the fight for water. I don't necessarily tie this to global warming, but more to the fact that people are currently living where we have no right to be living. In our thirst for cheap real estate and enough land to grow crops, we have been diverting rivers and streams for the last 100 years out here in The West. And there isn't enough water for everyone, but , at least the fight is still just in the courts for now.
Living in an area that doesn't get a large amount of rainfall, water access in the future is at least a minor concern to me, and something I did some basic research on before accepting this job. Expected annual rainfall in Belfair, where we used to live was in the 52 inches a year range. Richland get closer to 8-inches of rain a year. Luckily, the Tri-cities sits at the confluence of the Yakima, the Snake, and the Columbia Rivers, which are three pretty major sources of water. Very few of the places we have looked at for permanent residence are more than a mile or so from either the Yakima or the Columbia. While not a perfect solution to the water problems, it is at least a workable solution.
Getting rain barrels and other collection devices are high on my list for 'sustainability' purchases when we do get our own property. One of the advantages of living in an agricultural region is that there are many sources of 500-2000 gallon FDA approved poly water storage tanks...and they don't draw much comment when seen on the side of someones house.
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