November 10  Example answers


2. What major limitations to the adequacy of water from the Eastern Aquifer does Selby identify?

(A.K.) Selby identifies several limitationss to the adequacy of water from the Eastern Aquifer.  First Selby extimates the amount of water the aquifer holds. Estimates have veried greatly from 85 mcm to 172 mcm.  Selby believes the correct number to be between 100 mcm-125 mcm.  However, the hhighest estimate is used in the Oslo II Agreement.  Selby also says sthe methods used for taking these measurements is flawed.  He identifiess 2 methods but does not find either sufficient.  Selby also identifies salinity as a limitation.  The salinity rates of much of the aquifer is too high as a result of the Ded Seae.  Much of the wter cannot be reached before it becomes so salty.  Another limitation is that the Eastern Aquifer is a social construct according to Selby.  He believes it was socially created to help broker the deal [at Oslo] as a reliable source for water.  Selby also claims the adequacy was overstated for political purposes.

(L.S.)  Selby identifies three main limitations to the adequacy of water from the Eastern Aquifer, which is one of 3 of the main aquifers in the region.  He first asserts that by over-pumping this aquifer, the river bed of the Jorday Valley would seep into the water source and possibly contaminate the water supply.  He also asserts that the water suply is vastly over-estimated, which inevitably leads to water shortage because the water extracted reflects these over-estimations, and  because they are incorrect, too much water is being used.  Lastly, he believes taht the awter in this aquifer is renewed at a slower rate than what is estimated, and therefore these incorrect estimations lead to over-extraction from the water supply and again create shortages, further depleting the sources of the Eastern Aquifer.