Edited by author 03-08-2003 05:08 PM
In http://www.worldwater.org/table1.html USA is quoted having 2478.0 km3/yr of fresh water, and Venezuela as 1317.0 Km3/yr.

Assuming (roughly) that the hidroelectric resources are in a similar proportion, and that the populations are:

USA 281,421,906 people by year 2000,Venezuela 25,100,000 people by mid 2002

(Ref: http://www.data.worldpop.org/prjprbdata/wcprbdata.asp?DW=DR&SL=)

Then, US has 88% more water resources, and 11.21 times more population, so Venezuela has much more water resources per capita than USA.

Our electicity is around 70% dependant on hidroelectric generation, while USA may be 10%, concentrated mostly in California, Oregon and Washington.

Thanks to the interconnection of modern power grids, if there is an extended drought in these states, they can get their electricity from other sources (thermolectric, etc.)

But if these interconnections were not present, measures such as the 59.9 hz, and 104.5 Volts AC would shurely be implemented, in case of a severe drought.

The idea I am trying to express is that if these measures are being taken in other parts of the world, it doesn't mean that they could not happen in the US, it is important for US to see what is happening in other parts of the world so they can take correct measures to avoid (or delay) these situations.