2.1- Cadillac Dreams Flashcards
Why should we have/not have big engineering projects?
- Engineering can solve problems
- Engineering can create bigger problems
When was the worst drought for a century caused in Western US and what caused it?
2011- a mild La Nina event
2014- non existent El Nino
Give an example of somewhere where we need international water law- upstream and downstream countries.
Colorado Compact
Nile Basin
What is a quote by Bill Mulholland regarding the water situation in the US?
“If you don’t get the water, you won’t need it.”
What are the remains of Owens Lake in California?
Salt loving bacteria
What are the four states making up the south western part of USA?
California
Utah
Arizona
Nevada
What was the combined GDP of the four states of south western USA in 2008?
$2,300 (worlds 7th largest economy)
What is the total population of the 4 states in south western USA?
48.5 million.
Where is the most densely populated regions in California?
Along a coastal strip between San Francisco and San Diego
Name 2 positive contributions of large scale projects in south western USA.
- impacted large number of people, increasing their supply security
- more effective than water conservation methods
Name 2 negative contributions of large scale projects in south western USA.
- very high costs
- Paiute Indians lost land rights and water
- Owens Valley is now a desert
Who should change their ways in California (2015) for a more fair distribution of water?
- 85% of water used by agriculture
- 90% of local resident must reduce water use by 25%
How can farmers/people change their ways in California (2015) for a more fair distribution of water?
- Need seasonal crops, e.g. almonds / grapes
- Water efficient technology and price incentives have kept water use steady
- measure & limit usage
What was the 2015 plan for Sites Reservoir (Sacramento)?
$2.7bn on new water storage capacity
How much was spent of the 2015 plan in Sacramento for water conversion
$510m (including capturing and cleaning storm run off)
