Page 3 - Water Sustainability

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UNIT 1 Why WATer MATTers

The BIG IdeA Water is the indispensable resource without which life is
impossible. Civilizations have thrived or collapsed depending

on their access to and control of water. Despite this reality,
many people remain unaware of how much our lives depend
on this remarkable substance. In much of the world, accessing
SUSTAINABILITY reliable and clean water remains hard work. The current water
The long-term maintenance struggles that millions of people endure are expected to spread
of economic, environmental,
and social health. as population growth, mounting consumption, and climate
change combine into a global water crisis.

ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS In this unit we will explore these challenges and how
Large-scale components they are prompting people around the globe to promote
of the Earth, such as the
oceans, the atmosphere, and forward-thinking approaches to water that are aligned with
the biosphere. sustainability and the ecological systems of the Earth.

UNIT 1 seLF-AssessMeNT

Before beginning this unit, consider what you already know about why water matters
by completing this self-assessment. For each statement below, rate your current level
of confidence with understanding sustainable water concepts.

NOT SOMEWHAT
CONFIDENT CONFIDENT CONFIDENT

I am able to explain the ways that people
use water for agriculture, domestic use, ❍ ❍ ❍
and industry.

I am able to explain the concept of water ❍ ❍ ❍
efficiency.

I can explain the benefits and drawbacks ❍ ❍ ❍
of dams.

I can explain how agriculture affects water ❍ ❍ ❍
resources, especially groundwater.

I can describe domestic water systems and ❍ ❍ ❍
some of the challenges that they are facing.

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