Water in the Western United States from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction

Are you ready? In this module, we introduce you to how the course works, describe the unique nature of water issues in the American West, and provide important background that will orient you to the region we are studying and the science of hydrology. Let's get started!

History, Politics, and Culture of Water Development in the Western US

How did the American West end up with many of the world's largest dams? How does the West's unique legal system for allocating water work? Who gets the right to use water how, and why? We'll cover these topics and more in our module on history, politics, and culture!

Hydrology, Water Demand, and Climate in the Western US

Is the West drying up? What happens to a watershed when many of the trees in it die? Let's explore the major scientific issues related to water in the American West. Along the way, we'll hear from a number of experts working on some of the latest cutting-edge research in hydrology, ecology, climate, and more!

Case Study: The Colorado River Basin

The Colorado River is a vital source of drinking water for nearly 40 million people and supplies countless farms across a parched landscape. Cutting through nearly 1,500 miles of mountains and deserts, the Colorado's small size belies the fact that it is one of the most intensively managed and litigated rivers in the world. That makes this river perfect for exploring many of the concepts we've covered already in our course.

Controversial Issues and the Future of Water in the Western US

In this course, we've emphasized the importance of how the scarcity of water in the American West has shaped so many of the issues around it. In this final module, we'll present some specific cases of complex and often controversial issues that come up because of the unique nature of water in the Western US.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Tailored for professionals, educators, and the general public interested in water issues and the Western United States

Taught by Eric Gordon and Anne U. Gold, recognized for their academic accomplishments and expertise in water resource and policy

Ideal for beginners seeking a comprehensive overview of water challenges faced in the Western United States

Valuable for intermediate learners looking to expand their knowledge of water politics and regulations

Provides a thorough understanding of water management, environmental conservation, and social dynamics in the Western U.S

Could be complemented by additional courses on climate change and its impact on water resources

Reviews summary

Informative western water course

Learners say this course is fairly insightful and very relevant to water issues in the Western United States. According to students, the course provides real insights into this subject. Although some learners describe the course as boring, many others say it is an excellent overview of the current situation.

Provides insights into real-world water issues.

"Great class. Gives real insights into all the issues related to water in the western United States."

"Very relevant topic that continues to escalate in priority; lots of great information."

Course could use more up-to-date content.

"Would be fantastic for this course to be updated for 2022 with some of the very recent developments for water in the west, including historic lows of Lake Mead and subsequent water cuts and restrictions for the Colorado River."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Water in the Western United States with these activities:

Review Course Materials on Surface and Groundwater

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Ensure a strong understanding of the fundamentals of surface and groundwater.

Browse courses on Hydrology

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Review lecture notes and readings

Review fundamental concepts of water science

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Start by reviewing the foundations of water science to prepare for the course.

Browse courses on Hydrology

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Review high school level physics and chemistry concepts related to water
Read online articles or watch videos on basic hydrology

Review “Cadillac Desert” by Marc Reisner

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Provide context for the historical development of water issues in the American West.

View Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its... on Amazon

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Read the book

12 other activities

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Solve hydrology problems

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Test your understanding of hydrology concepts by solving practice problems.

Browse courses on Hydrology

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks
Solve the problems and check your answers
Review your mistakes and learn from them

Follow online tutorials on water-related topics

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Expand your knowledge of water science and management by following guided tutorials.

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Search for online tutorials on water-related topics
Follow a tutorial and take notes
Complete any assignments or exercises associated with the tutorial

Calculate Water Usage and Conservation Measures

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Improve your understanding of water usage and conservation techniques.

Browse courses on Water Conservation

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Determine your current water usage
Identify areas for water conservation

Read "Cadillac Desert"

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Read this classic book to gain insights into the history of water development in the Western US and the challenges it faces.

View Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book
Read and take notes on the first half of the book
Read and take notes on the second half of the book
Write a one-page summary of the book's main arguments

Participate in a Water Conservation Workshop

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Connect with others interested in water conservation and learn from their experiences.

Browse courses on Water Conservation

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Find a water conservation workshop
Register and attend the workshop

Attend a local water conference or workshop

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Connect with professionals and learn about the latest research and best practices in water management.

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Research upcoming water conferences or workshops in your area
Register for a conference or workshop that interests you
Attend the conference or workshop and take notes
Follow up with any new connections you make

Presentation on a Water Conservation Success Story

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Help you understand successful strategies for water conservation in the Western US.

Browse courses on Water Scarcity

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Research water conservation success stories
Identify key factors contributing to the success
Develop a presentation
Present your findings

Write a blog post about a water-related issue in your local community

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Research and write about a local water issue to understand the complex issues surrounding water in your own community.

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Identify a local water-related issue
Research the issue and gather data
Write a blog post outlining the issue, its causes, and potential solutions

Participate in a peer discussion group on water issues

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Engage with peers to share perspectives and deepen understanding of water-related topics.

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Find a peer discussion group on water issues
Join the group and participate in discussions
Share your own insights and experiences
Learn from others and broaden your perspectives

Create a Water Conservation Guide

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Deepen your understanding of water conservation practices and how to effectively communicate them to others.

Browse courses on Water Conservation

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Research water conservation practices
Organize and outline the content for your guide
Write and design your guide
Edit and finalize your guide
Distribute your guide

Design a water conservation plan for your home or workplace

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Develop a plan to reduce water usage in your own environment, solidifying the practical applications of water conservation.

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Assess your current water usage
Research water-saving devices and techniques
Develop a plan to implement water-saving measures
Track your progress and make adjustments as needed

Create a collection of resources on water conservation

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Gather and organize materials on water conservation to enhance your knowledge and understanding.

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Research water conservation methods and technologies
Find articles, websites, and videos on water conservation
Organize the resources into a collection
Share the collection with others

Career center

Learners who complete Water in the Western United States will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Hydrologist

Hydrologists study the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth. The course Water in the Western United States provides a comprehensive overview of hydrology, including its major concepts and methods. This knowledge is essential for Hydrologists who work to manage water resources and protect the environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist

Water Resources Engineer

Water Resources Engineers design and manage water systems, such as dams, reservoirs, and canals. The course Water in the Western United States provides a solid foundation in hydrology, which is the study of water's movement and distribution on Earth. This knowledge is essential for Water Resources Engineers who work to ensure that water resources are used sustainably.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Engineer

Water Resources Manager

Water Resources Managers plan and manage the use of water resources, such as water supply, water quality, and flood control. The course Water in the Western United States provides a comprehensive overview of water resources management, including the legal, political, and cultural issues that affect water use. This knowledge is essential for Water Resources Managers who work to ensure that water resources are used sustainably.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Manager

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its natural resources, as well as the human impact on the environment. The course Water in the Western United States provides a solid foundation in the science of hydrology, which is the study of water's movement and distribution on Earth. This knowledge is essential for Environmental Scientists who work to protect and restore the environment, as water is a vital resource for all life.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Water Quality Scientist

Water Quality Scientists study and analyze water quality issues, such as water pollution, water treatment, and water monitoring. The course Water in the Western United States provides a solid foundation in the science of hydrology, as well as the legal and policy issues that affect water quality. This knowledge is essential for Water Quality Scientists who work to protect water resources and ensure that water is safe for drinking, swimming, and fishing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Quality Scientist

Water Policy Analyst

Water Policy Analysts study and analyze water policy issues, such as water conservation, water quality, and water pricing. The course Water in the Western United States provides a comprehensive overview of water policy in the Western United States, including the legal, political, and cultural issues that affect water use. This knowledge is essential for Water Policy Analysts who work to develop and implement water policies that protect water resources and ensure that water is used sustainably.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Policy Analyst

Water Resources Planner

Water Resources Planners develop and implement water resources plans, which identify and address water needs and issues. The course Water in the Western United States provides a comprehensive overview of water resources planning, including the legal, political, and cultural issues that affect water use. This knowledge is essential for Water Resources Planners who work to ensure that water resources are used sustainably.

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Watershed Manager

Watershed Managers plan and manage watersheds, which are areas of land that drain into a particular body of water. The course Water in the Western United States provides a solid foundation in the science of hydrology, as well as the legal and policy issues that affect water use. This knowledge is essential for Watershed Managers who work to protect water resources and ensure that water is used sustainably.

See salaries and explore the career path for Watershed Manager

Soil Scientist

Soil Scientists study and analyze soil, which is the loose material that covers the Earth's surface. The course Water in the Western United States provides a solid foundation in the science of hydrology, as well as the legal and policy issues that affect water use. This knowledge is essential for Soil Scientists who work to protect soil resources and ensure that soil is used sustainably.

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Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lawyers specialize in environmental law, which governs the protection of the environment and natural resources. The course Water in the Western United States provides a solid foundation in the legal and policy issues that affect water use in the Western United States. This knowledge is essential for Environmental Lawyers who work to protect water resources and ensure that water is used sustainably.

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Water Distribution System Operator

Water Distribution System Operators operate and maintain water distribution systems, which deliver water to homes and businesses. The course Water in the Western United States provides a solid foundation in the science of hydrology, as well as the legal and policy issues that affect water use. This knowledge is essential for Water Distribution System Operators who work to ensure that water is delivered safely and efficiently to consumers.

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Water Treatment Plant Operator

Water Treatment Plant Operators operate and maintain water treatment plants, which remove impurities from water and make it safe for drinking. The course Water in the Western United States provides a solid foundation in the science of hydrology, as well as the legal and policy issues that affect water quality. This knowledge is essential for Water Treatment Plant Operators who work to ensure that water is safe for drinking.

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Water Conservation Specialist

Water Conservation Specialists develop and implement water conservation programs, such as water audits, public education campaigns, and incentive programs. The course Water in the Western United States provides a solid foundation in the science of hydrology, as well as the social and economic aspects of water use. This knowledge is essential for Water Conservation Specialists who work to promote water conservation and protect water resources.

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Land Use Planner

Land Use Planners develop and implement land use plans, which guide the use of land for different purposes, such as residential, commercial, and industrial. The course Water in the Western United States provides a solid foundation in the legal and policy issues that affect water use, as well as the social and economic aspects of water use. This knowledge is essential for Land Use Planners who work to ensure that land is used sustainably.

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Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's surface, including its land, water, and atmosphere. The course Water in the Western United States provides a solid foundation in the science of hydrology, as well as the legal and policy issues that affect water use. This knowledge may be useful for Geographers who work to understand and address water-related issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographer