The US population is predicted to pass 300 million within the next few days, though no one can say for sure just who or where that 300-millionth resident will be. In this hour, Ira and guests talk population and demographics, and look at how the nation has changed since previous poulation milestones.

Then, with people, people, everywhere, will there be enough to drink? Increased demand for fresh water around the world means that some sources are running dry, leaving some areas with not enough fresh water to go around. More affluent areas are turning to untapped sources of water, including desalination and creative reuse or recycling of existing water sources. We'll talk about water policy here and around the world.Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (2-3 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Linda Jacobsen
Director of Domestic Programs
Population Reference Bureau
Washington, DC
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Brent Haddad
Associate Professor of Environmental Studies
University of California
Santa Cruz, California

Sandra Postel
Visiting Senior Lecturer in Environmental Studies at Mount Holyoke College
Director of the Global Water Policy Project
Amherst, Massachusetts

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This segment produced by Charles Bergquist