Perhaps the consumers of the water relocate? Whether you view that as a mundane suggestion or a crazy suggestion depends on more context. Are these areas diffe

Perhaps the consumers of the water relocate? Whether you view that as a mundane suggestion or a crazy suggestion depends on more context. Are these areas different neighborhoods, towns, states, countries? Who is consuming the water (golf course, agriculture, residential lawns in a desert, etc.)? Are the pricing models reasonable or are they distorting the water use/consumption? Is the shortage due to increased demand or a problem with supply? Is there a functioning price signal for the water consumption (i.e. does the price goes up if the supply is limited or demand increases)? I think this is a topic where the details matter quite a bit, it is hard to generalize.