Resource Depletion & Conservation: Water By: Dominik McCreary Braden Hawkins Lauren Bailey Elton Austin

Introduction Water is one of our most precious and vital resources. It is a necessity for all life. Every day we depend on it and interact with water in some way or another whether it is industrially, in agriculture, developments, recreation or human consumption. In the past and even now we can’t imagine a day without water being an important need in our lives. Think about how much we use water each and everyday for various reason and multiply that by the amount of people in the world. Yes, that is a lot of water needed. Globally to some degree issues has occur because of polluted waters. If the pollution persists long enough bacteria will build creating dead zones according to St. Petersburg Times World and Nation Online (Hurricane Katrina article). Can we fix this problem and if we can how? In answer to the urgent need for clean water is to educate our citizens on the issues and implications of our water scarcity crisis. The goal of this research paper is to raise awareness and educate the public on the water scarcity issues we all face.

Overview The water problem has come in the recent years to the forefront in the relations among the countries of the Middle East. It also occupies an important place in the agenda of several international organizations. Main characteristics of the problem may be highlighted as follows: Current water resources in the Middle East have become insufficient to meet the needs. The scarcity of the water will continue to increase in future as the population grows and consumption per head of inhabitant augments. As a result, water is likely to become the cause of conflict among the countries of the region.

Water and the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: Competition or Cooperation? Israel and Palestine, struggle over water involves, not only economic and distribution issues, but central political, legal, and territorial claims as well. For example: Palestinians have to buy their water from Israel.

Globally Water scarcity increasing faster then expected: 80% Water usage over the past 100 years.

Global Water Issues Overall environment Contaminated Sediment in Water Sources Species Affected Management Prevention Effect on People Unsafe drinking water Water related diseases

Water Conflict Introduction Causes of Conflict International Conflicts United States Conflicts

International Conflict Middle East Jordan River Basin Tigris-Euphrates Basin War-fare in Iraq Africa Volta River, Zambezi River, and the Niger Basin The Nile River Basin Asia Indus River Basin Ganges River

US Conflicts Western United States Great Lakes Conflict California’s Central Valley The Pacific Northwest The Colorado River Basin The Great Plains Region Oregon/California Conflict Great Lakes Conflict

Water Usage Survey Survey questioned 100 Bluffton students regarding their use of water: Drinking water Bathroom usage Toilet flushing Brushing teeth Showering Males shaving

Action Plan What can the United States do? Financing Alternative Water Sources Water Conservation Incentive Programs

Action Plan What can we as individuals do here in Bluffton? Limit and Prevent Wasted Water Toilet Bathing Kitchen Use Appliances Lawn Care Other Miscellaneous Uses

Questions?