Stephen Koletty, Ph.D.
University of Southern California
Spring 2008
e-mail: koletty@usc.edu
Office Hrs: M-Th 1pm
Office: KAP 414A
phone: (213) 740-4976
GEOGRAPHY 477
WATER RESOURCES
Texts: Cech, Thomas V. 2005. Principles of Water Resources – History, Development,
Management, and Policy. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Carle, David. 2004. Introduction to Water in California.
Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.
Outwater, Alice. 1996. Water: A Natural History. New York: Basic Books.
“MWD may cut water to area cities”
(Los Angeles Times. Jan 7, 2008)
“Enforcing recent water laws may throttle state’s growth”
(Los Angeles Times. Jan 14, 2008)
Course Overview: What’s going on here? These recent headlines tell us that all is not well with
our water supply. There has never been enough water in Southern California to meet the needs of
our farms and cities. We have relied upon elaborate delivery systems to draw our water from
hundreds of miles away. But now the entire American southwest is enduring a drought that has
dragged on for eight years, and we are beginning to feel the thirst. Of course, this isn’t the first
time we have had to confront the specter of an inadequate water supply. This time though we are
not alone. Other cities in the southwest are also thirsty and compete with us for the limited water
sources. The fact that other regions of the world are also experiencing profound shortages argues
that our troubles may be part of a much larger crisis. In this course we will be exploring the nature
of water resources and the challenges to our water supply with a particular focus on the situation in
Southern California.
Organization: The course begins by considering the essential elements of water resources. This
includes the components of the hydrologic cycle, the dynamics of water supply and water in motion,
and ground water. Next we will examine water distribution systems including aqueducts, dams and
reservoirs. Then we will turn our discussion to issues of water quality with a review of water
chemistry, microbiology and sources of pollution. Starting with historical episodes of water pollution,
we examine the how regulatory responses to water pollution have evolved while the nature of the
challenges to water quality changed with the transformation of industrial and transportation
infrastructures. We will look at specific health effects of water pollution as well as its impact on other
elements of the environment. We shall also look at the economics of water supply, pollution and
abuse; the cultural values that allow for this situation and now demand it change; and the nature of
water regulation and policy and the justice in its enforcement or neglect.
Grading: You will be graded on the basis of two topical assignments, two exams, a term project and your
participation in class. You are expected to attend all class meetings and field trips. Unless prior arrangements are
made with the instructor, assignments are due on the date assigned. Work handed in after that date will be marked
late and marked down. Below are listed the course assignments and their weighted values.
Grading:
Topical Assignments (2)
Participation
Term Project
MidTerm Exam
Final Exam
20 percent
10 percent
25 percent
20 percent
25 percent
Writing Assignments: The following is a general description of the writing requirements of this course. More
specific guidelines will be provided.
1. Topical Assignments
As we progress through the course, there will be two short assignments. One will be designed to familiarize you
with the analytical tools and methodologies used to assess water supply issues. The other will look at the
effectiveness of Clean Water Act by closely examining an impaired body of water selected from the regional
303(d) list. There is also a good possibility that one of these assignments may be substituted by a group project
involving a community based water issue.
2. Term Project
For your term project you will be employing a case study approach to investigate and report on some
contemporary water issue of your choosing. The final product will be a research paper (10-14 pages) with
quantitative as well as qualitative components. You will be expected to employ concepts discussed in this course
and to cite other academic sources. The final paper is due on Tuesday, April 22. Part of your grade includes a 5 to
10 minute presentation to be scheduled toward the end of the semester. Before you begin I want to know what
you are planning. Prepare a brief statement (200 words) describing the issue you have selected, the reasons why
you have chosen it, and the situation you have selected for your case study. This statement is due Thursday,
February 14.
Schedule of Topics and Readings:
This is a preliminary reading list. Additional materials appropriate to the specific topics will be
identified as the semester progresses. We live in exciting times, and I am always looking for new
material. I will be pleased to consider any supplementary reading that you think will enhance the
course.
Week 1: January 15, 17
Introductions/ Course Overview
Outwater Water--Introduction
Cech Water Resources—chapter 1
Carle Water in California--Introduction
Part 1: Essential Elements of Water
Week 2: January 22, 24
The Hydrosphere and the hydrologic cycle
Cech Water Resources—chapter 2
Carle Water in California—Tapping into a Planetary Cycle
Week 3: January 29, 31
Watersheds and the dynamics of surface waters
Cech Water Resources—chapter 3
Carle Water in California—California Water Landscape
Outwater Water—chapters 1thru 6
Video: Running Water I & II
Week 4: February 5, 7
Groundwaters
Cech Water Resources—chapter 4
Part 2: Water Distribution Systems
Week 5: February 12, 14
Distribution Systems
Cech Water Resources—chapter 6
Carle Water in California—The Distribution System
Outwater Water—chapter 8
Due February 14: Term project statement
Week 6: February 19, 21
Dams and Reservoirs
Cech Water Resources—chapter 7
Outwater Water—chapter 7
Part 3: Water Pollution, Wastewater Treatment
Week 7: February 26, 28
Water Chemistry and Microbiology
Cech Water Resources—chapter5
Carle Water in California—Challenges to California Water Management
Week 8: March 4, 6
Historical perspectives on water pollution
Sources of water pollution
Cech Water Resources—chapter11
Outwater Water—chapters 9, 10, 11
March 6 MidTerm Exam
Part 4: Water Legislation, Regulation and Management
Week 9: March 11, 13
Water law
Cech Water Resources—chapter8
Week 10: March 18, 20
Spring Recess
Week 11: March 25, 27
Federal Water Management agencies
Cech Water Resources—chapter9
Week 12: April 1, 3
Local and Regional Water Management
Cech Water Resources—chapter 10
Week 13: April 8, 10
The national effort to control water pollution
Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act
Regulating water quality in California
Part 5: Water Issues
Week 14: April 15, 17
Economics of Water Use and Misuse
Cech Water Resources—chapter 13
Week 15: April 22, 24
Water Use Conflicts
Cech Water Resources—chapter 14
Carle Water in California—Meeting the Challenges
Due April 22: Term Project
Week 16: April 29, May 1
Emerging Water Issues
Cech Water Resources—chapter 15
Course Summary and Review
May 8 FINAL EXAM (2pm Thursday)