California Water Crises: A Case Study Approach

Catalog description

Reviews history of California's water dependent economy, leading to a capture, storage system with conveyances extending thousands of miles to deliver water for agriculture, industry and homes. Examines recent political change coupled with chronic issues of a water-rich north, an expanding urban population and a water-poor but politically strong south. Emphasis includes climate change, seismic vulnerability, redirection of river flows, and large scale water reuse. Course will cover specific water crises in other states and nations, providing in depth coverage of aspects of the international crisis in quantity and quality of freshwater.