The Rain Saved Us – The Rain Saved Us – Examining Drought Examining Drought Impacts Yesterday and Impacts Yesterday and TodayToday

Grade 4Grade 42-3 class sessions2-3 class sessions

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Think about Think about waterwater

Source: Arizona Department of Water Resourceshttp://www.azwater.gov/azdwr/StatewidePlanning/Drought/DroughtStatus2.htm

This map shows the watershed drought status of Arizona in July 2013.

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One of Arizona’s Main Water One of Arizona’s Main Water SourcesSources

CAP Canal

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One of Arizona’s Main One of Arizona’s Main Water SourcesWater Sources

CAP Canal – street level view

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What is a drought?What is a drought?

Texas drought of 2011source: http://coupmedia.org/extreme-weather-0609

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What is a drought?What is a drought?

Texas drought of 2011source: http://coupmedia.org/extreme-weather-0609

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What is a drought?What is a drought?

Texas drought of 2011source: http://coupmedia.org/extreme-weather-0609

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Water source in the past: Water source in the past: A water wellA water well

Photo credit: www.arthurpumps.com

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Oral HistoryOral History

Source: www.cdss.org

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EconomicEconomicEnvironmental Environmental SocialSocial

Types of drought Types of drought impactsimpacts

Economic - - Economic impacts are those impacts of drought that cost people (or businesses) money. Here are just a few different examples of economic impacts: 

Farmers may lose money if a drought destroys their crops.Farmers may lose money if a drought destroys their crops.If a farmer's water supply is too low, the farmer may have If a farmer's water supply is too low, the farmer may have to spend more money on irrigation or to drill new wells.to spend more money on irrigation or to drill new wells.Ranchers may have to spend more money on feed and water Ranchers may have to spend more money on feed and water for their animals.for their animals.Businesses that depend on farming, like companies that Businesses that depend on farming, like companies that make tractors and food, may lose business when make tractors and food, may lose business when drought damages crops or livestock.drought damages crops or livestock.People who work in the timber industry may be affected People who work in the timber industry may be affected when wildfires destroy stands of timber.when wildfires destroy stands of timber.People might have to pay more for food. People might have to pay more for food. 

Types of drought Types of drought impactsimpacts

Environmental - - Drought also affects the environment in many different ways. Plants and animals depend on water, just like people.

When a drought occurs, their food supply can shrink and their habitat can be damaged. Sometimes the damage is only temporary and their habitat and food supply return to normal when the drought is over. But sometimes drought's impact on the environment can last a long time, maybe forever.Lack of food and drinking water for wild animalsLack of food and drinking water for wild animalsIncrease in disease in wild animals, because of reduced food and water Increase in disease in wild animals, because of reduced food and water suppliessuppliesMigration of wildlifeMigration of wildlifeIncreased stress on endangered species or even extinctionIncreased stress on endangered species or even extinctionLower water levels in reservoirs, lakes, and pondsLower water levels in reservoirs, lakes, and pondsLoss of wetlandsLoss of wetlandsMore wildfiresMore wildfiresWind and water erosion of soilsWind and water erosion of soilsPoor soil quality Poor soil quality 

Types of drought Types of drought impactimpact

Social - Social impacts of drought are ways that drought affects people’s health and safety. Social impacts include public safety, health, conflicts between people when there isn't enough water to go around, and changes in lifestyle.

Anxiety or depression about economic losses caused by droughtAnxiety or depression about economic losses caused by droughtHealth problems related to low water flows and poor water Health problems related to low water flows and poor water qualityqualityHealth problems related to dustHealth problems related to dustLoss of human lifeLoss of human lifeThreat to public safety from an increased number of forest and Threat to public safety from an increased number of forest and range firesrange firesReduced incomesReduced incomesPeople may have to move from farms into cities, or from one city People may have to move from farms into cities, or from one city to anotherto anotherFewer recreational activitiesFewer recreational activities

Types of drought Types of drought impactimpact

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EconomicEconomic EnvironmentalEnvironmental SocialSocial

Drought Impact ChartDrought Impact Chart

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EconomicEconomic EnvironmentalEnvironmental SocialSocial

Drought Impact ChartDrought Impact Chart

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