Description
Population: 1,419,516
Population Growth: +8.4%
Elevation 62 ft. above sea level
Avg. Low Temp (Jan.): 46oF
Avg. High Temp (July): 79oF
Annual Rainfall: 21 in.
Annual Snowfall: 0 in.
Sunny Days Per Year: 266
Drinking Water Source: distant rivers via canals
Urban Area: 372 sq. mi.
Main Power Source: natural gas
Average Commute: 24 minutes
% Taking Mass Transit: 4.0%
Top Occupations: health care (12.6%)
professional, scientific, technical services (11.8%)
retail trade (9.8%)
Overview:
The city of Ashfordton is located on an ocean coastline and boasts a Mediterranean climate that is relatively warm and dry year-round. A popular destination for outdoor activities like sailing and surfing, the city has a strong economy with abundant arts and culture opportunities. Freeways are everywhere, and air quality has declined over the past decade as the resident population has grown substantially. Away from the coast, the inland features mountain chains interspersed with desert valleys.
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, review Chapter 5 in the course textbook.
Imagine that you are a resident of Ashfordton, a community whose characteristics are described below. You have come together with your neighbors for a special meeting to devise a plan for managing its water resources more sustainably by 2050. Water resource issues the community faces include insuring a safe and sustainable drinking water supply for all, handling its wastewater in a manner that has minimal environmental impact, and managing its stormwater runoff in a way that minimizes the risks of erosion and flooding.
Fortunately, you have all attended the meeting with the knowledge that you have gained from your readings in this course. Now it is time to put your thinking cap on and get to work! Your ideas should each consist of one of the following elements, depending upon what you think is Ashfordton’s area of greatest need:
- Sustainable drinking water access measures (e.g., developing a program for rural residents to begin collecting and treating their rainwater for drinking use).
- Sustainable wastewater management measures (e.g., collecting greywater from area residences for use irrigating a local golf course).
- Storm water management measures (e.g., requiring that permeable pavement be used for all future development projects in the community).
- Post at least two separate and entirely original ideas.
- Post at least six different pros and six different cons for your classmates’ proposed ideas (12 in all).
Explanation & Answer
Attached.
Running head: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Environmental Science
Student’s Name:
Institutional Affiliation:
1
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
2
Introduction
Water sustainability refers to meeting the current water needs without affecting the
chances of future generations doing the same (Loucks & Van, 2017). For a nation to achieve
future sustainable water management, a universal and multidisciplinary technique where
economic, societal, technical, cultural, environmental, and landscape matters are addressed
should be used.
Proposed ideas
1. Ashfordton can ensure proper wat...