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Student Activities

How precious a resource is water?


Photograph of the Warburton Dam

Work in groups for each activity.

Background information

Think about the following facts:

  • On 21 June 2005 Geelong's water storages were 54.2% full.
  • On 26 June 2005 Melbourne's water storages were only 52.3% full.
  • In mid-2005 the press reported that Sydney's reservoirs only had enough water for the next two years if there was no more rain.
  • The Murray-Darling River System is in crisis due to water usage, irrigation and salinity problems.
  • Water pollution continues to be a problem for many major rivers such as the Yarra (despite legislation since 1865 to do something about it)

The following activities are designed to help you understand the importance of water in the daily lives of all Victorians, and some of the history that has led to public concern about the health of our rivers and water storages.

Activity 1: For what do people use water?

Complete the activity sheet, For what do people use water?.

Record the ways in which water is obtained, stored and transported to meet each of these needs. For example: reservoirs, natural and person-made lakes, locks and weirs, dams, tanks, pipes, channels, water towers and so on.

Collect photographs, illustrations and diagrams to illustrate these uses and storage methods.

Use this information and these resources to prepare a visual presentation to display in your classroom or school, highlighting the importance of water use in the daily lives of all Victorians.

Activity 2: Who owns the water?

Investigate water use and storage systems in your local area. Find out:

  • who built them and when
  • who manages them today
  • how costs to users are decided.

Invite a representative from your local water management authority to school to discuss these and related issues.

Prepare a list of questions to guide this presentation and send the questions in advance to your guest speaker.

Visit websites such as:

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