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?

If I had the opportunity to travel back in time to consult with the middle eastern leaders of Turkey, Iraq and Syria. I would take back proof that what they are doing (or not doing) with their water supplies will lead to a pending global catastrophe.  If I could, I would also take back the current technological plans for desalination and solar power. If the countries involved could further that current technology, then it would beneficial to the whole world. While it is expensive, if you could mediate a joint deal between multiple countries that would be beneficial to all parties involved.  I would inform on the pending drought to the region, and if they don’t start a water management program then it would lead to wars and thousands dead. I also believe that they should start metering the populace, meaning everybody gets charged for their usage. This act would lower consumption greatly because there would not be excessive use. It would allow for possible economic growth, with jobs being generated for installs and maintenance of the whole system overall. I believe that the leaders i spoke with would listen to me. If i had good proof that was irrefutable and that if they did not listen then they would be signing the death warrants of thousands.

 

Info needed:

I would need as much information about the leaders of Iraq, Syria and Turkey.

 

I would also need as much information as possible about the conflicts currently happening during the time traveling back to.

 

I would also want more information about the state of their infrastructure, and what techniques they have tried and failed at.

 

Im sure i could find this information available from the Albertson’s library and also internet research. I would make sure that I get as much primary information as possible. Secondary information would be easier to find but also helpful. As with all research if I were to use the Internet for research purposes I would have to verify and substantiate that the information is accurate.

 

History needed:

1) Knowing the culture that is using water along with their habits with water use. This is important since cultures are so different, there could be habits that might need to be addressed. The issue could be the habits are rooted in religion.

2) History that would also be needed would be the past to present political issue. If there is a conflict in the region I would recommend they build a water treatment I would prefer it not to get attack ever.

3) Lastly knowing where funds are going to will help decide what water system would be best for them.

If I could go back in time to the middle east I would worried based off of the time period. The reason for a bit of fear is if I jump back only ten years there wouldn’t be a decent solution due to the fact that conflicts have already been accuring.  To start off, I would be talking about Syria and the water solutions with why they would be best. The reason for this pick was due to what seems to be the country with the worst water distribution system. Secondly I feel that there is some frame work already in place with Syria’s water system but based off of what I have researched recently, along with some of the articles, its infrastructure is fragmented. So let’s get to it, I took the liberty to bring up a common method brought up in many years ago and why it didn’t work. The main plan was to take water from the Jordan, and pipe it down to Syria. Sounds perfect right? Well the issue is they already are doing this, the plan was to actually move the location farther north above where other major cities get water. Kind of confusing I know, Syria’s plan was to take water from all cities before they had the chance to get water from their water pumping location is more south of where Syria will move it to.

What I would recommend is a waste water treatment facility. This water structure would be somewhat of a fix since it would build off of existing water pipes and would provide a set amount of water for agriculture, without using more water to fuel agriculture.

My desired location to look up will be google scholar, Albertsons library and UN accredited websites. The reason for the last pick is the UN has a lot of information on almost all situations going on, surprisingly they release most of this information on websites and other mediums with little bias.