LPAS

We are lucky to live in a part of the country where freshwater is relatively abundant, but this is not the case in much of American West or in much of the rest of the world.  In California and other parts of the American West, water usage is highly regulated by state and local governments.  Learn more about California water rights by reading the information on the following web page:

California State Water Resources Control Board

 

Drawing on the information you just read and what you have learned about aquifers, access to fresh water, and the importance of water conservation in arid regions, answer the following questions:

1. Should the government regulate access to water on private land?  Why or why not?  Be sure to draw on your knowledge of streams and groundwater systems to answer this question.

2. Under what conditions should use of water by individuals be limited?  Given the limited availability of water in some parts of the country, should Indiana citizens take steps to conserve our water so that it can be made available to those who live in the West?

Be sure to cite empirical evidence derived from the website, your textbook, and the other materials in this course when stating your case.  Back up each of your opinions with sound reasons derived from the scientific literature.

Monitor your classmates' conversations and post at least two responses to the comments left by others.