Explain the need for a water management program

Question 1

1) Reliable water supply

The Colorado River Basin incorporates areas of the USA with variable rainfall. Sometimes, the area receives only 20% of the average rainfall. TMT

Answer 1

the majority of the river basin is semi-arid. As a result, a water management scheme is necessary to provide reliable water to this dry area. The Hoover Dam on the Colorado River provides the water from the south-western states.

Question 2

2) Prevent Flooding

Another reason why a management scheme is necessary to stop flooding. Seasonal rainfall sometimes occurs as catastrophic flash floods TMT

Answer 2

farmland and property can be destroyed. The flooding even caused the Colorado river to change course, causing it to drain into the Salton Sea - ‘the lake by mistake’. TMT environmental issues are prevalent as a loss of wildlife habitats results.

Question 3

3) Improve crop yields

A management scheme is necessary for irrigation. Parts of California is made up of Chernozem (soil rich in nutrients), TMT

Answer 3

there is a need for a suitable irrigation scheme can result in high yields. Places such as the Imperial Valley also rely on this water to grow out of season crops. TMT farmers can make a profit from crops and this will boost the local economy as more money is made.

Question 4

4) Demand for cities + HEP

An increasing water demand in the growing cities. TMT Cities such as Las Vegas would never have been able to grow without the domestic water and HEP provided by the dams. Another example is Phoenix, where many people moved due to the rapid expanding technology industry. TMT

Answer 4

the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead provides domestic water for (drinking, swimming pools etc) and water for industry, not to mention a significant amount of electricity in the form of HEP.

Question 5

5) Boost economy - mineral extraction

The need for water for Phoenix to grow resulted in the creation of the Central Arizona Project which transferred water from the Colorado channels to the cities in Arizona, mainly Phoenix. TMT

Answer 5

the economy was further enhanced in these regions as mineral extraction has increased TIDT access to water and cheap HEP signifying an ongoing need for water management programs.