Our Global Water Crisis, Explained Video Quiz

What common-sense water conservation practices does Linda teach her children?

• Taking longer showers

• Using shorter showers and careful tooth-brushing routines

• Washing cars frequently

• Watering the lawn daily

Why has the Central Valley of California been forced to rely on groundwater?

• Increased rainfall

• Extended drought

• Abundant surface water

• Decreased agricultural production

What is the impact of the drawdown of the aquifer in the Central Valley?

• Increased water levels

• Land above the aquifer is sinking

• Improved water quality

• Reduced agricultural output

How does climate change affect freshwater scarcity?

• Decreases evaporation

• Increases water availability

• Changes the water cycle and increases evaporation

• Reduces atmospheric water vapor

What is a positive feedback loop in the context of water vapor and climate change?

• Decreased greenhouse gases

• Increased evaporation leads to increased warming

• Reduced atmospheric temperatures

• Decreased water vapor

How can big storms like hurricanes intensify water scarcity?

• They replenish aquifers

• They cause extensive infrastructure damage and contamination

• They reduce atmospheric water vapor

• They increase water levels in rivers

What percentage of California's agricultural production comes from the Central Valley?

• 5%

• 12%

• 25%

• 50%

What contaminants are found in the diminishing water reserves of the Central Valley?

• Chlorine and fluoride

• Nitrate and arsenic

• Lead and mercury

• Sulfates and phosphates

How does Linda's family cope with the undrinkable well-water?

• They boil the water

• They rely on donations of potable water from a local non-profit

• They use water filters

• They buy bottled water

What is the estimated number of Californians with unsafe drinking water according to the current Governor?

• 500,000

• 1 million

• 2 million

• 5 million