Water usage reflection

Gray water Reflection:

1. How should we balance a desire to irrigate with clean water against the need to conserve limited water supplies?

We should expose people to the concept of gray water and recycling water instead of using clean water for irrigation.

2. Describe how you could formulate an argument to convince a town council to permit the use of gray water for watering lawns.

You could explain the process and then show how we do not need super clean water for watering lawns.


California water usage reflection

1. One challenge is that the more water that agriculture needs, the less clean cold water is available for the wild life to use. For example the Salmon need cold, clean water to lay their eggs, but with more water going to other places, the river water lessens.

2. California farmers might respond by saying that it would cut the cost of water and that the fact that water distribution would better the society because it would provide better resources for the people to live.

The Wealth of Water

Questions:

1. The people of Cochabamba were protesting the privatization of their water system because they felt that water is a basic human right. Do you agree with this belief or do you think water is a commodity that can be bought and sold? Keep in mind that even if it is a human right, there are costs associated with obtaining, purifying, and distributing water. Who do you think should pay for these cost? Where should the money come from?

I agree that water should be a basic human right, but obtaining, purifying and distributing water costs money and people should pay a little bit for this right. I think that the government should make compromises with the people in setting the price for water. The money should come from the people and the government.

2. In light of the above statements, how should developing countries deal with the problems associated with a lack of clean, fresh water?

Developing countries should ask other countries for advice on how to have more clean and fresh water. Also regarding costs, these countries should divert most costs to bettering public health than private companies.

3. Bechtel is a multinational corporation and, like all corporations, the main goal is profit. Do you think Bechtel should profit from the management of a water system? If not, what should their incentive be? If so, what restrictions, if any, should be imposed?

No, Bechtel should not profit from the management of a water system. Their incentive should be that the more public health, the more people can work for their company and bring in more income.

4. Do you think Cochabamba’s conflict is foreshadowing the future with more wars being fought over water? Can you think of other examples where access to water is being contested?

Yes, I think this conflict could lead to wars over water. Drought and irrigation problems could be examples of water being contested.