Nat Geo Water Crisis

What is the main cause of water shortages worldwide?

• Industry waste

• Population growth

• Drier weather

• All of the above

Answer explanation

The main cause of water shortages worldwide is a combination of all listed factors: industry waste, population growth, and drier weather. Industry waste can contaminate water making it unusable, rapid population growth can overburden water resources, and drier weather can reduce the available water supply.

What is the average daily water use for indoor activities in the US?

• 83 gallons

• 88 gallons

• 112 gallons

• 296 gallons

Answer explanation

The average daily water usage for indoor activities in the United States is 88 gallons. This includes all household activities such as bathing, using the toilet, washing dishes and laundry. Other options represent incorrect quantities of water usage.

What is the average length of an American shower?

• 2-3 minutes

• 5-7 minutes

• 8-10 minutes

• 15-20 minutes

Answer explanation

The average length of an American shower falls within the range of 8-10 minutes. It's not as short as 2-3 minutes or 5-7 minutes, and it doesn't typically stretch to 15-20 minutes. It's crucial to mention that the duration can vary widely depending on individual habits and water conservation awareness.

What does a flow reducer in a shower head do?

• Increases water pressure

• Reduces water flow

• Filters impurities

• Heats the water

Answer explanation

The role of a flow reducer in a shower head is to control the amount of water that passes through the shower head, thereby reducing the water flow. This is done to save water and energy. Hence, the correct answer to the question is that a flow reducer reduces water flow.

How much water is saved daily by switching from a 1.6-gallon to a 1.2-gallon flush toilet?

• 0.2 gallons

• 1 gallon

• 2 gallons

• 3 gallons

Answer explanation

The question asks about the water saved by switching from a 1.6-gallon to a 1.2-gallon flush toilet. The difference between these two amounts is 0.4 gallons. Therefore, each flush saves 0.4 gallons. If a toilet is flushed 5 times a day, the daily savings would be 2 gallons. Hence, the correct answer is '2 gallons'.

What is the largest reservoir in the US?

• Colorado River

• San Francisco Bay

• Hoover Dam

• Grand Canyon

Answer explanation

The Hoover Dam is the largest reservoir in the US. It's not the Colorado River, San Francisco Bay or the Grand Canyon. It's an iconic structure, known for its sheer size and grandeur. It's an engineering marvel, storing a vast amount of water, thus making it the largest reservoir.

How much has the water level in the Hoover Dam reservoir dropped in the last 20 years?

• 50 feet

• 80 feet

• 100 feet

• 120 feet

Answer explanation

Over the past two decades, the water level in the Hoover Dam reservoir has significantly decreased due to prolonged drought and overuse. Studies indicate that the water level drop in the Hoover Dam reservoir has been dramatic, with a decline of approximately 120 feet. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is 120 feet.

Why are endangered species in the San Francisco Bay declining?

• Human activity pollution

• Fresh water scarcity

• Climate change

• Overfishing

Answer explanation

Endangered species in the San Francisco Bay are declining due to fresh water scarcity. As fresh water is crucial for the survival of many species, its scarcity can have a detrimental impact on their population. The other options such as human activity pollution, climate change, and overfishing, although relevant, are not the primary cause in this context.

What percentage of fresh water is taken from the Colorado River before it reaches the San Francisco Bay?

• 30%

• 50%

• 70%

• 90%

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 70%. The Colorado River is a significant source of fresh water in the United States. By the time it reaches the San Francisco Bay, about 70% of its water has been extracted for various uses, leaving only 30% of its original volume to reach the bay.

How does Las Vegas conserve water?

• Removing lawns

• Building reservoirs

• Importing water

• Desalination

Answer explanation

Las Vegas conserves water through various measures, one of which is removing lawns. Lawns consume a significant amount of water. By replacing them with drought-tolerant landscaping, water usage can be significantly reduced. This is a more feasible method for Las Vegas compared to building reservoirs, importing water or desalination, given its desert location and limited resources.