CAEE 201 – Fall Term 2009

Lab Week 6: Water Video

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Name: ; Signature:

By my above signature, I certify that the work is solely my own.

All answer must be typed.

All handwritten report will be returned without grading

Due Date:
Hard copy to TA at the beginning of Lab, November 6th, 2009

Deliverables:
This cover sheet and the following sheets outline the field trip to Tacony Palmyra Bridge.
Use only the space provided. Do not provide any additional sheets or write of the backs of the
provided sheets. Using the “typewriter” feature of the PDF program or convert the file to
Microsoft word so that the clarity can be achieved to be graded by the TA.

(Note: the “typewriter” feature of the PDF is under “tool”. You can install the feature and type
your answer onto the PDF document.)
1. The film begins with discussing drinking water contamination:
a. What are some of the types of pollutants found in drinking water that were mentioned?

b. Are these only found in tap water, bottled water, or both?

c. Where do these pollutants come from?

d. How is drinking water quality regulated?

2. In order for environmental solutions to be considered "sustainable", it is essential that the

technologies employed do not create other problems which are not accounted for (i.e.
exploiting one scarce natural resource in order to conserve another).
a. Which water-related technologies discussed in the film do you consider to be sustainable
and why?

b. Which do you consider to be unsustainable and why? Could changes be made to make
these more sustainable?
3. What are some of the small-scale decentralized water systems discussed in the film?

4. What are some of the consequences of large dams?

a. Environmental:

b. Social?

5. Define “appropriate technology” (look-up the definition if you don’t already know).

a. How does this concept apply to the water systems/policies discussed in the film?

6. How are water infrastructure projects funded in third-world developing countries?

a. What are some challenges to developing infrastructure in this way?

 7. What are some issues with water privatization?

a. Describe one of the water privatization situations mentioned in the film.

b. Do you believe that access to a sufficient amount of safe, clean drinking water is a Right,
even for people who can’t afford it?

c. How do these issues affect your responsibilities as a professional engineer?

8. What are some of the issues associated with private corporations withdrawing, bottling, and
selling groundwater?