HIST 100: Engineering The Past

Native Water Use and Water Rights in the American West

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After researching the Tohono O’odham tribe and how the United States seized their lands in Arizona, and parts of New Mexico it is hard to be proud as a US citizen. This tribe, for the most part, minded their own business. But this peaceful tribe just happened to reside in a area that both Mexico and the United States were fighting for. In in the early 1800’s O’odham fell to Mexican rule.

In 1853, through the Gadsden Purchase, the United States purchased some of this area from Mexico, making O’odham land divided. At this time in America, the development of mining and transcontinental railroads was increasing at a rapid rate. Resulting in the loss of the tribes land to the US.

In more recent years of the Gadsden Purchase, the Tohono O’odham tribe has attempted to get ownership of their native lands back. The US government did not want to fulfill their wishes because it would include separating from all federal/state authority. However the government did provide the tribe with better water storage and delivery systems, under the condition that they will only use a certain amount per year. They have also given some of the land back to the tribe that was previously lost to promote a better environment for the Tohono O’odham people.

I believe that the government has tried very hard to provide compensation to the Tohono O’odham people for what was taken from them. But these people were conquered by a bigger and stronger nation that wanted their lands. The tribe never wanted to be part of the United States. I believe that if the government wanted to make up for what happened to these people, they should give them back what is rightfully theirs and leave them alone. But the US government has to have their hand in everything and refuses to loose any source of power.

Water Woes

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If given the chance to go back in time to help resolve a water problem I would explain the current position we are in today. There are millions of people affiliated with villages that have to walk miles upon miles just for water. I would explain to them that there is an easier way to gather this water.

They should take the villagers and gig a canal that has a large pond at the city center connected to it. This would allow constant water flow to the people of the village and it would a;so less-in the chance for disease. It would also help increase of disease that seems to be a problem.

This would also bring vegetation that would increase the amount of people that were able to receive the nutrients that is needed to survive. Because there are such spaces available that allow for large farms it would be excellent for crops that could generate a produce that supports a large number of people at a time. Luckily in the US we have the federal government that ensures the use of land that will support our growing society. Countries like this have no such organization. I believe with the right leadership from the US that they can create their own laws that ensure the safety and well being for the being of the country they are representing.

These countries need influence because they are still developing. Re-using water like we do here in the united states is a dream. That is why the help from developed countries is so important. The simple task of putting in a drain and pipe system for running water for simple appliances such as a sink and toilet.

Just the simple task of running water to these villages increases the survival rate dramatically. With water they are able to grow crops, drink fluids that wont kill them, and they are able to create a septic system that doesn’t create diseases. As a developed country we are in the position to help countries like these every day. And to not lend a hand would be unconstitutional.

Middle Eastern Water Roes

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If I were to go back in time to help resolve a water problem in a specific country I would choose Syria. I think that Syria is a country that has and will always struggle with resources. From the article it stated that Syria was one of three countries that was losing water the fastest. Because there are such vast lands in this country it would be excellent for crops that thrive in heat such as wheat and barely. I think the main concern with this country is that they have no one to look to for direction. I think before they can establish laws and policies they need someone to enforce them whether it be like in the United States and having a president or having a council or something along those lines. Syria is a country that needs influence and without it they cannot prosper and flourish like they have the potential to. Recycling water would be very beneficial to this country especially because they are so low on the supply. This would mean putting in a drain and pipe system for running water such as sink water and such that cycles back through and is purified. Maybe even investing in a system where they categorize different water uses. For example black water would be sewage and that would not be recyclable, grey would mean water from showers and dish washing and clear would be from normal running sink water. As far as thing that I would keep the same, I can’t particularly think of anything. I almost think it would be better to go and wipe the slate completely clean. This is the easiest way to get this country going on the right track and to set them up for success.

 

Three areas of concern that I would need about the past are:

-Climate control for things like cropping, farming and so on

-Economic conditions: is this something they have previously invested in? what didn’t work the first time? is there an allotted budget for this specific concern?

-History on the uses of water: this would include things like how much water do they use on a daily basis? is it something that can be recycled and purified? where are their water sources coming from? what are their water habits?