Community and Classroom Discussion Questions

1. Where does our drinking water come from? Do you think your friends and family know the source of their drinking water? Would it make a difference if they knew?
2. Why is water considered our most precious resource? Do you agree? Do you feel we act accordingly? Why or why not?
3. How many ways do we rely on water in our community? Consider municipal, agricultural, industrial uses. (see water needs and regional overviews)
4. What are the threats to water in our community? (see regional overviews)
5. Is water wasted in our community? In what ways? Can we reduce water waste? (see Water I.Q. and How Can You Help?)
6. How are water decisions made in our community?
7. How would you feel if you had to buy (send) water from (to) another part of Texas?
8. Should the government control water usage?
9. What happens to Texas wildlife in our community and our local habitats during water shortages or if the water becomes polluted?
10. With the ever-growing population of Texas, how should Texas manage its water needs?
11. If the word "conserve" means wise use, what does water conservation mean in our community? How can we conserve water where we live? How can you as an individual conserve water?
12. Choose one of the following key messages about conservation that appeals to you. Explain.
    1. Your little actions can make a big difference.
    2. We are not separate from our environment, we are part of it.
    3. Nature, given a little help and some space, has a tremendous ability to heal itself.
    4. Save water, save wildlife.
    5. Everything is connected.
    6. We have two systems to consider for the future of water-- human and natural.
    7. If the fishin' is good, the ecosystem is good.
    8. Many aquatic organisms are indicator species -- like the canary in the mine.
       
    9. Clean and adequate water is necessary for life.
    10. The water we have now is the water we had in the past and what future generations will rely on in the future.
        
    11. We should enjoy and recreate in Texas waterways. It's an important step toward our appreciation and conservation of water resources.
13. Choose a water quote that appeals to you. Explain.
14. Watch one of the water videos and discuss at least one fact or issue that surprised you.
15. Read one of the magazine articles and discuss how the main idea relates to where you live
16. Choose a topic for further exploration:

    Private land management affects quantity and quality of all water, including municipal water supplies. How can people manage land to conserve water? (Consider landscaping, crop choices, irrigation practices, water retention, use of wetlands, etc.) Has anyone in our community employed water-saving practices? Are people in our community aware of our local conservation heroes?

    Responsible recreation makes a difference in the quality of water. Motor fuels can pollute if not handled properly. The propellers on boats can scar or kill essential sea grasses in bays and estuaries. Birds, fish and reptiles can get tangled and die in discarded fishing line. Careless release and transmission of invasive aquatic plants and mussels outcompete native species, and in some cases, deplete oxygen in the water, killing fish and native plants. Driving 4-wheelers in streambeds can kill aquatic life that fish depend on. What personal ethics do recreationists in our community follow? What can boaters, floaters, anglers, 4-wheelers do?

    Consumer Responsibility and Conservation When all of us work together, we can save a tremendous amount of water. Consider the impact of saving 3 gallons of water per day (one toilet flush-- for example, stop flushing a spider or bits of trash). How much water would that save in a year by individual; by household; by community? What are some water saving strategies for our community – individuals, municipal, schools, industrial/business, agricultural?

    Wildlife needs water, too. What forgotten wildlife needs are in our community? What affect does water quantity and quality have on wildlife, habitat and aquatic systems in our area? Why is an “indicator species” important to public health?

    Economics of Water Good habitat = good economy. Good water affects wildlife, recreation, tourism, land values, viable resources, quality of life, etc. What would happen if water systems in our area were negatively affected? Consider natural systems, economics, tourism, social customs, etc.

    Water Management issues Who owns the water? Who makes decisions about our water? Who should? One theory for water conservation is to raise the price of water and allow private business to sell water to cities. What are the pros and cons of this theory? (see Who Owns the Water? a primer on water laws, excerpt from TPW Magazine, July 2005)

    Local Water Issue: Each community faces water issues specific to its region, related to quantity (too little; flooding; location), quality or future needs. Read about your region and then check your local Water Utility for additional information and resources [search TCEQ online database for water utility] [River Authorities map].