The Article “Where the Water Goes” by David Owen

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Around the globe, water remains an important ingredient that is vital for human survival. Highlighting this through Where the Water Goes, David Owen shows the intrigues surrounding the aforementioned natural resource in California, especially Las Vegas. As such, the writer takes a personal tour to show how water has become a problem, with many people having misconceptions about the cause of its scarcity (Owen, 2018). This paper highlights misconceptions about the drying of lake Mead, the importance of the Colorado River, and the causes of its scarcity in Las Vegas.

Misconceptions About Lake Mead Waters

In the western part of the United States, water availability has become a major problem exacerbated by modern development and consumption. However, many residents in Las Vegas see the dwindling levels of lake Mead as a result of numerous fountains, almond trees, and lawns in homes. In addition, they base their argument on the assertion that Las Vegas is near the banks of the Lake hence using the water. Further, the Bellagio is seen as the best example of wastage that has worsened the problem they face. However, Owen (2018) asserts that this is a misconception because a close look reveals that the decline of water levels in the lake has been ongoing at an alarming rate without interference from the aforementioned factors. Furthermore, the city uses less water compared to the last decade. Consequently, the water officials reveal that the lake has declined due to evaporation which is twice the water usage of Las Vegas, while water for the fountains comes from a deep aquifer (Owen, 2018). Therefore, human activities are not the prime cause of the reduction.

Importance of the Colorado River

The Colorado River is a vital resource across the western part of the US. Perhaps what makes the waters important is the fact that every gallon flowing is owned by an individual or a group of people. Tracing the aforementioned river, Owen (2018) asserts that Arizona uses 35, California 55, and Mexico 18 feet of water, respectively. As such, it shows that it is a vital commodity for the thriving of the aforementioned cities.

Causes of Water Scarcity in Las Vegas

In Las Vegas, there are strict laws on conservation that prohibit misuse of water and curbing its wastage, especially on sidewalks, running on streets, and golf courses. As such, those found breaking the laws are prosecuted and penalized heavily. However, although the above measures are followed, water scarcity is eminent in the population, which grew to more than 2 million in the metropolitan areas (Owen, 2018). In addition, the Colorado waters are affected labyrinth of reservoirs and power plants along the way till the river runs dry near the Mexican border.

From the article, what is the most memorable idea?

Although the Colorado River serves as a lifeline in the US, people have diversified other sources by tapping into aquifers and making reservoirs to address the water scarcity challenges in Las Vegas. As a result, the use of technology and innovations has led to life sustainability in a desert through the conservation and planting of indigenous desert plants. This concept can be borrowed by many as a remedy for water scarcity.

What is the most valuable concept from the reading?

The journal reading foretells the remedy to our future challenges where combined efforts can result in people’s coexistence. Using exemplary engineering, modern infrastructure, and cooperation among individuals can lead to harmonious living even in adverse conditions such as those in deserts. This has been highlighted in the reading hence challenging us to be innovative, especially during these hard times resulting from challenges posed by climate change.

Reference

Owen, D. (2018). Las Vegas. Where the water goes: Life and death along the Colorado River. Penguin.

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