Video Reflection – Water Shortage
In the video “Water: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)”, John Oliver delves into the water problem facing the US, particularly the Western US. The water problem has been exacerbated by a growing population, extended periods of drought, and human activities that deplete water sources. One way of arresting the water problem in Western America and worldwide is by regulating the population in areas with water shortages. While authorities cannot control residents’ birth rate, they can control the people who move into areas that have been hardest hit by water shortage. Another way to arrest water shortage problems is by avoiding wastage. Oliver mentions that the allocation framework used to distribute water to farmers encourages wastage. Farmers go ahead and deplete whatever they are allocated because they know they will lose it. Arresting wastage resulting from agricultural activities will come in handy. Do you need urgent assignment help ? Get in touch with us at eminencepapers.com.
Colorado River
Oliver also touches on the lie promoted around the Colorado River. It revolves around the Compact agreement that set out how the critical resources would be shared. A key fallacy surrounding the agreement is that Mexico could get a portion of the river’s waters, yet it dries up before reaching Mexico. Also, the Compact failed to address the needs of a couple of American natives living around the river. The Compact essentially took away the locals’ rights, yet they are supposed to be the first beneficiaries of such an important resource. In addition, the Compact allocated more water than what is available, setting expectations that may never be achieved. The ‘magic water’ euphemism introduced to cover shortages is ineffective.
Las Vegas Conservation Efforts
Las Vegas is a model for water conservation efforts. The state uses non-consumable salty water for non-essential activities such as operationalizing artificial water fountains to avoid wastage. Another effort by Las Vegas to conserve water is banning new lawns and ornamental grass in the area. This positive action is expected to save about 10 billion gallons of water per year. Las Vegas has experienced a net drop in its use of water from the Colorado River due to its dedicated water conservation efforts. However, lifestyle differences make it difficult for other states to emulate Colorado. For instance, Utah has many golf courses, making it hard to reduce water usage.
Use It or Leave It, Alfalfa Farmer
Having the ‘use it or lose it’ water allocation policy in place is quite unfair. In an age with a water shortage, encouraging farmers to use more water is counterproductive. The policy may be a strategy to discourage non-farming individuals from applying for allocation, but the result is that farmers end up over-using water to protect their rights. In the long run, the water that would have been retained to cater to residents’ needs is lost.
The Water Problem in Utah
According to Oliver, the water problem in Utah is mostly compounded by human activities. For instance, despite Utah being a desert, it has multiple golf courses that utilize a lot of water. In response to the shortage, the state has used significant resources to fund a pipeline to bring water from an unsustainable source. Besides, the response from the state’s government has been underwhelming. Instead of communicating the government’s response strategy, the governor issued a presser encouraging people to pray for divine intervention. The local government needs to draft a comprehensive strategy to address the local water problem.
Works Cited
Oliver, John. “Water: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO).” Www.youtube.com, 27 June 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtxew5XUVbQ&t=99s. Accessed 29 Nov. 2022.
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Question 
Video Reflection – Water Shortage
After watching the short videos, please choose one and use the following as a guideline for your response. Your response should be 3-4 paragraphs in length.
(Water)
• After watching the video, can you indicate any ways to fix the existing and crucial water issues we face today? Not just in the West but even here at home. Any suggestions? Positive or Negative?
• How do you feel about the lie promoted about the amount of water available in the Colorado River? (The Compact mentioned magic water)
• If Las Vegas can be viewed as a model for water conservation, then why can’t other States follow suit? What are some of the positives and negatives?
• The Use it or Lose it alfalfa farmer mentioned, how fair is it that there is a loophole in water allocation allowing for this practice to exist?
• Describe why Utah was spotlighted as the highest water user in the West. What was described in the film?