Water Sustainability
in the Western U.S.

GES120 – Water Sustainability in the West

The Colorado Water Center and the School of Global and Environmental Sustainability (SOGES) are pleased to offer GES120 – Water Sustainability in the West.

The class covers:

• Water use and its sustainability in the West.
• Historical perspectives on the development of water resources in the West.
• Exploration of the issues involved in meeting the needs for water by people, agriculture, and wildlife.
• Impacts of human and natural influences on the use and sustainability of water supplies in the West.

As a regular course each fall semester, students learn a multi-disciplinary overview of the issues surrounding the biggest challenges to the sustainability of life in the West. Students from all disciplines are welcome. The only prerequisite is an interest in learning about this critical resource.

Topics Include:

• The role that water plays in supporting human populations, agriculture, and wildlife
• The history of water development in the West
• The processes that govern water allocation
• How infrastructure allows water to be moved and used
• Challenges to the sustainability of water resources
• Population growth, climate change, and other impacts on water quality

Course Information

• Credit Hours: 3
• Schedule: Fall Only
• Location: On Campus
• CRN: 23373