How Do You Fix A Drought?

Utah is a desert in which water is a limited resource. The state has developed water-use plans for the entire state. These plans include all of the major drainage areas. If plans are not made early enough, and water reservoirs decrease, people, plants, and animals suffer.

One of the main sources of information regarding the water resource plans is the Utah Division Of Water Resources. Other sources of information include your local city or county government centers. Each of these government offices is responsible for maintaining water-use plans as well as water quality and conservation plans.

Research:

Using the sources provided, analyze how your community designed its long-term water-use plan including dealing with water shortages, water distribution, and maintaining water quality.

In doing your research, you may use the Internet, find local printed materials, or interview local officials. A list of questions, such as those that follow, may help you in your research.

• What is the the plan when there is water shortages?
• What are the local sources for water?
• How is the water distributed?
• What is the water quality?
• What is the future plans for water use?
• What is the plans to supply water for future growth?
• What type of conservation efforts are planned?

Reporting:

Produce a news article about what you have learned. This article may be for a newspaper, a radio broadcast, or a television newscast. Make sure to provide both your questions and the answers to each. You should also give credit to those who provided you information to prepare your report.

Analysis:

1. Is your community prepared with a long-term water use plan?
2. How will your community deal with water shortages that may happen?
3. What plans are in place for distribution of water in the community?
• Are plans prepared which will provide water for new growth in your community?
4. How prepared is the community to provide quality water for its residents?