The Global Water Crisis and Utah’s Cheap Addiction
Location
USU Eccles Conference Center
Event Website
http://water.usu.edu
Start Date
4-5-2016 5:48 PM
End Date
4-5-2016 5:51 PM
Description
Around the world, from the Andes Mountains to the Wasatch Front, communities are facing water crises. For many Americans, this is an unfamiliar, seemingly 'Third World' issue. Despite the severity of the threat of drought, the water issues do not seem to be paid proper attention by many Utahans. Utah is the second driest state in the nation and its population is expected to double in the next thirty-five years. Compounding this issue, the effects of global warming on local climates, will force Utah communities to be ready to withstand infrequent precipitation, environmental hazards and an inconsistent snow pack. Unfortunately, Utah currently has some of the lowest water prices in the nation, which subsequently undermines water conservation efforts throughout the state. Additionally, in a 2014 USGS study, Utah was ranked per capita as the highest water user in America, averaging 248 gallons a day. With such high water usage, future improvements in education and public policy decisions will be critical in order to conserve more water in Utah's homes and businesses. By acknowledging the threats of climate change and human made hazards, Utah must bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to implement robust and resilient changes to create a water secure future. By situating issues and societal behaviors driving Utah's impending water crisis in a global context, I hope to build upon our foundation of knowledge while fostering an ethic of conservation and responsible water consumption.
The Global Water Crisis and Utah’s Cheap Addiction
USU Eccles Conference Center
Around the world, from the Andes Mountains to the Wasatch Front, communities are facing water crises. For many Americans, this is an unfamiliar, seemingly 'Third World' issue. Despite the severity of the threat of drought, the water issues do not seem to be paid proper attention by many Utahans. Utah is the second driest state in the nation and its population is expected to double in the next thirty-five years. Compounding this issue, the effects of global warming on local climates, will force Utah communities to be ready to withstand infrequent precipitation, environmental hazards and an inconsistent snow pack. Unfortunately, Utah currently has some of the lowest water prices in the nation, which subsequently undermines water conservation efforts throughout the state. Additionally, in a 2014 USGS study, Utah was ranked per capita as the highest water user in America, averaging 248 gallons a day. With such high water usage, future improvements in education and public policy decisions will be critical in order to conserve more water in Utah's homes and businesses. By acknowledging the threats of climate change and human made hazards, Utah must bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to implement robust and resilient changes to create a water secure future. By situating issues and societal behaviors driving Utah's impending water crisis in a global context, I hope to build upon our foundation of knowledge while fostering an ethic of conservation and responsible water consumption.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/runoff/2016/2016Posters/27
Comments
A poster by Darren Bingham, who is with Utah State University, Environment and Society