Water resources are becoming scarce as climate change heats up and drought ravages much of the US. The High Plains Aquifer is being depleted at 160% of its recharge rate. Likewise, the Oglalla Aquifer is being depleted. These Aquifers are being depleted due to the increased number of irrigation wells, reduced rainfall and drought. These Aquifers feed water to several states including South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico and Texas.

ISL (or ISR) mining of uranium uses tremendous amounts of water. Crow Buttes Resources alone uses 4.7 BILLION gallons of water per year and is seeking permission to use an addition 2.7 BILLION gallons of water per year to flow its expansion to the North Trend area. ISL (ISR) mining also pollutes the water taken up making it unusable for other purposes.