Final answer:
The largest aquifer in the western US is the Ogallala Aquifer, crucial for agriculture and affected by population growth and politics of water usage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The largest aquifer located in the western United States is the Ogallala Aquifer, which spans parts of Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. This aquifer is a vital source of water for irrigation, supporting agriculture across the region, including the heart of the spring wheat belt and the corn belt to the east. However, the rapid growth in the West, particularly in areas like Las Vegas, is putting a strain on water resources, turning water into a politically charged issue.
The Ogallala Aquifer and other large water conservation projects such as dams and aqueducts were primarily built in the first half of the twentieth century, utilizing advanced technologies and substantial budgets. Notably, projects like the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River have been pivotal in facilitating urban growth through the regulation of this critical water source. Understanding the sustainability and conservation of such precious resources continues to be of paramount importance in the face of ongoing population growth and economic development in the Western United States.