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The Southeast (SE) and Caribbean encompasses of a large geographic region including 11 states, and Puerto Rico and US Virgin Island. The region is known for warm climate, abundant water resources, and rich ecosystems and biodiversity. Many areas of the SE have seen population increases between 45% and 75% during the past three decades. The population is projected to increase 50% in the next 50 years, representing one of the most dynamic economies in the nation (Wear and Greis 2011). The region relies on water resources to maintain this growing economy that is largely based on forestry, recreation, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, power generation, fisheries, and navigation. However, in recent decades the ȁwater richȂ SE region has experienced periodic water shortages due to recurring severe droughts and the increasing levels of consumptive water use from multiple sources (Sun et al …