1.
Summarize Chapter 2.
The conflict for water between Los Angeles and the Owens Valley is the main focus of
this chapter. This is a story of environmental damage, corruption, and greed. Los
Angeles was a fast expanding city with a meager water supply in the early 1900s.
William Mulholland, the head engineer for the city, was committed to helping Los
Angeles obtain a fresh water supply. He finally decided on the Owens River, which was
situated in the Owens Valley, 200 miles away. It serves as a warning about the risks of
water scarcity and the significance of sustainable water resource management.
2.
Did Mulholland do anything illegal?
Owen's Valley supplied Mulholland with water. They tricked landowners into selling them
their water rights, and then transported all the water to Los Angeles, leaving the Owens
Valley without any water. a. Mulholland did nothing illegal.
Although there were
suggestions that the legislation needed to be modified if all that occurred was legal. In
order to obtain the water it required, the city of Los Angeles used deceit, deception, and
espionage. A bone-dry Owens Valley was the end outcome of all this. Even though it
was legal, it may not have been the best strategy for action.
3.
Is water from the Owens Valley a sustainable solution to LA’s water needs?
Los Angeles' water needs cannot be met sustainably with water from the Owens Valley.
Since the valley is a desert, no water is restored when it is diverted to Los Angeles. As a
result, the Owens Valley is drying out more and more, which harms the environment.
4.
Is diverting water from the Owens Valley just?
I think water being diverted from the Owens Valley to Los Angeles was unjust.
Residents of the valley were not consulted about the project and were not given
compensation for the water they lost. The valley's ecosystem was harmed by the
diversion.
