Last Call at the Oasis Video Post Questions

1. Which of the interviewees did you like the best? The least? Why?
a. I thought the environmental lawyer Brockovich who was in the film was
interesting and really managed to talk to the people in Texas in a manner
that educated them of the issues with the issues with their water. I didnt
like the Almond farmers who seemed to think that planting a bunch of
crops that use a lot of water was their right. Even if they need to farm
almonds, they should consider the environmental impacts.
2. How would you describe the plot of this movie? In what order does it present
its message? In your opinion, did the information progress organically? Into
which pertinent locations (in the U.S. and Australia) does this film delve? Do you
think these locations and their dire water situations provide an adequate cross-
section of water issues to say that this film deals with the global crisis? What
other areas of the world are experiencing problems with water supply? Are there
areas of the world in which a water crisis is not inevitable?
a. It seems to be a plot about the worlds water issues and how people have
to try to start trying to save their water supply. It seems to travel across
the U.S. and go to Australia while touching on the Middle East and India.
The information seemed to progress pretty organically. It looked at
California, Michigan, Texas, and Western Australia but also covered how
over 200 places in the U.S. had complaints about water. I think the
locations were good since even though they were some of the worst
affected areas, they represent what may happen. The Middle East and
Africa are also experiencing issues. I dont think anywhere in the world is
safe from a water crisis.
3. What was the most memorable moment in this movie for you? The scariest? The
most thought-provoking?
a. Jack Black was definitely the most memorable moment. The scariest was
when I saw markers showing places near me had water issues. The most
thought provoking was trying to see how to balance agricultural needs
and the water supply needs.
4. What did you know or believe about the global water supply before seeing this
film? What did you learn from watching it? What was the single most surprising
fact you learned?
i. I did not really know much about it before the film. I learned it is in
jeopardy and that unless action is taken, a majority of humans
worldwide will soon feel the impact. The most surprising fact I
learned that only 1% of the water on Earth is freshwater. I thought it
would be at least 5-10%.
b. What did you learn about U.S. fresh water resources (e.g. Hoover Dam,
Great Lakes, Rio Grande)?
i. They are drying up and in low supply. Places like Vegas have to get
water from elsewhere now.
c. What did you learn about water pollution?
i. It is becoming an issue and people in the U.S., a first world country,
have to drink water contaminated with industrial toxic waste.
d. What did you learn about bottled water?
 i. It is mostly tap water and is really bad for the environment since it
takes energy to make the bottles, bottle the water, and ship it.
e. What did you learn about sewage water?
i. It is drinkable if it is recycled. I thought that it would not be so
simple, but it seems that science is already there to use it.
f. What did you learn about desalination?
i. It is very energy intensive and not the current solution, but it could
be a potential answer to the crisis in the future.
5. What are some possible solutions to the global water crisis that the film
presents? Will conservation alone suffice? What technological innovations have
(and have not) proven to work? What are the obstacles to implementing
technological innovations on a large scale? What are the obstacles to maximizing
global conservation efforts?
a. Conservation and changing agricultural demands to less water-needing
crops is a must. Conservation alone is not enough. A working
technological solution is recycling water. Desalination has not really been
worth it so far. The obstacle to implementing these innovations is that
people do not take change easily and probably wont want sewage water
or to pay for smart appliances. The obstacle to maximizing conservation is
people being unwilling to change their habits and farmers unwilling to lose
profits.
6. How do you think the global water system will look in 10 years? In 50 years? How
will agricultural irrigation have changed? How will personal/home water use in
the United States have changed? How will the global food supply have been
affected? What other cultural impacts do you expect the impending water
situation to have?
a. I think in 10 years nothing will have really changed. In 50 there will likely
be much more strict government regulations and systems will be more
efficient. Irrigation will likely be clamped down on so farmers cant use as
much water. I dont think people will change their personal use out of a
desire to help the environment, but more efficient appliances will naturally
cut down on use. I think the food supply will transition more towards
efficient foods and things like beef and almonds will become a luxury
rather than a day to day thing. I dont think there will be many cultural
impacts, but the government will step in.
7. What physical implementations would improve water efficiency in your home or
on your campus?
a. Get better appliances. Wash dishes only with a full load. If its yellow let it
mellow. Only wash full loads. Dont leave the sink running while brushing
teeth.
8. How would you describe the moral of this story? If you had to summarize the
message that the filmmaker was trying to convey in one sentence, what would it
be?
a. The moral of the story is that humans are using up water way too fast and
will doom us. In one sentence: Stop using so much water or we will run out
soon.
9. Did watching the film change your perspective on water and the need for
conservation? How? Are there any changes you can make in your own personal
 environment (or habitual behavior) to improve your personal water footprint? If
so, what?
a. Yes. I did not realize how drastic the water issue was. Now that I know I
think I should mind my water usage as much as possible. I plan on letting
yellow mellow and taking shorter showers.
10.How can you affect change in the amount of water usage in your home? On your
campus? What is the value of raising awareness of this issue? What physical
implementations would improve water efficiency in your home or on your
campus? What behavioral changes would improve water efficiency?
a. At home see 8 for physical changes. I could also tell my family to watch
water use. On campus I could try to push for people to use less water and
to maybe advocate for change in the systems used. The value of raising
awareness is saving the Earths water supplies. See 8 for physical changes.
Behavioral changes include using less water for washing stuff, flushing
less, and stopping the sink from unnecessarily running.