Global Water Crisis Reaches Critical Threshold
Twenty-five countries housing one-quarter of the global population now face extremely high water stress each year, regularly using up almost their entire available water supply, according to WRI's Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas [1]. This revelation comes as New Hampshire and other New England states grapple with their own infrastructure challenges, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive water and sewer system planning revealed through new zoning atlas initiatives.
The World Resources Institute data shows that at least 50% of the world's population—around 4 billion people—live under highly water-stressed conditions for at least one month of the year [1]. This global crisis provides crucial context for understanding why local infrastructure mapping and zoning analysis have become essential tools for regional planning authorities.
New Hampshire's Infrastructure Mapping Revolution
New Hampshire Housing has launched comprehensive zoning atlas initiatives to better understand critical infrastructure needs across the state, according to Nhhfa [5]. Sarah Wrightsman, Manager of Community Engagement and Education at New Hampshire Housing, leads efforts to analyze how zoning regulations interact with water and sewer infrastructure capacity. Rick Lederer-Barnes of Upstate GIS serves as the project's GIS lead, bringing over 20 years of experience in geographic information systems and environmental planning to the initiative [5].
The zoning atlas project represents a significant step forward in understanding how land use regulations impact infrastructure development. Preston Hunter, Vice President of Business Development at PROCON, works with the initiative to identify potential projects and guide development processes, particularly focusing on multi-family housing projects that require substantial water and sewer capacity [5].
Regional Development Pressures Mirror Global Trends
The industrial real estate market across New England is experiencing a slowdown that reflects broader infrastructure challenges, according to Nhbr analysis [2]. Mike Kunz, owner and principal of Maugel DeStefano Architects, reports that developers have built millions of square feet of new space in recent years, but much of it remains unoccupied [2]. This oversupply situation puts additional pressure on existing water and sewer systems while highlighting the disconnect between infrastructure capacity and development demand.
Rents for Class A industrial properties have remained stable at $16 to $18 per square foot, while tenants often opt for older Class B buildings at approximately $12 per square foot, according to Nhbr [2]. This pricing disparity reflects the challenge of developing modern facilities with adequate infrastructure support in areas where water and sewer systems may be strained.
Environmental Impact of Infrastructure Decisions
Sewage pollution presents a significant threat to biodiversity, with coastal ecosystems bearing the brunt of infrastructure failures, according to Nature [4]. The organization's research shows that almost 31 percent of the world's marshes are heavily polluted, while areas home to significant percentages of coral reefs experience very high pollution levels [4]. These findings underscore the importance of proper sewer infrastructure planning revealed through zoning atlas initiatives.
New Hampshire's coastal and inland water systems face similar pressures. The Nature Conservancy emphasizes that solving sewage pollution crises delivers significant benefits to both people and nature, including minimized health risks, preserved ecosystems, and enhanced community stability [4]. This environmental imperative drives much of the urgency behind comprehensive infrastructure mapping efforts.
Federal Support for Infrastructure Innovation
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides substantial funding opportunities for communities to address water and sewer infrastructure challenges, according to Bidenwhitehouse archives [7]. The Appalachian Regional Commission receives $200 million in available funding for infrastructure development projects, with federal participation potentially reaching 100 percent in economically distressed areas [7].
These federal programs specifically support infrastructure building goals, including workforce development and community capacity building. The Biden administration's approach recognizes that comprehensive infrastructure planning requires detailed mapping and analysis—exactly the type of work being conducted through New Hampshire's zoning atlas initiative [7].
Regional Collaboration and Data Integration
The Massachusetts Planning Council has developed sophisticated approaches to mixed-use development analysis that complement New Hampshire's zoning atlas work, according to Mapc documentation [3]. The Wood Road Revitalization & Mixed-Use Development Initiative demonstrates how comprehensive planning can address infrastructure needs while promoting sustainable development patterns [3].
Heather Shank, Director of the Division of Planning and Community Development in the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, manages programs that work closely with municipalities to improve regulatory processes and development outcomes, according to Nhhfa [5]. Her office coordinates with development partners to expand community assets and services, ensuring that infrastructure capacity aligns with zoning decisions.
Future Implications and Strategic Planning
Global water demand has more than doubled since 1960, with an additional 1 billion people expected to face water stress by 2050, according to WRI data [1]. These projections emphasize why local infrastructure mapping through zoning atlases has become critical for long-term planning. Without intervention through better water management and infrastructure investment, water stress will continue to worsen, particularly in rapidly growing areas [1].
The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed industrial space requirements, with office space in industrial properties decreasing from 10% to just 3.5% to 5% of total square footage, according to Nhbr [2]. This shift creates opportunities to reimagine how water and sewer infrastructure serves evolving development patterns.
New Hampshire's zoning atlas initiative represents a proactive approach to infrastructure planning that other states may emulate. By mapping the intersection of zoning regulations, infrastructure capacity, and development pressures, the state positions itself to make informed decisions about future growth patterns while protecting both economic interests and environmental resources.