Have students locate Harris county on Map 2.1 and then compare the data for Harris county with the other four counties in Tables 4.24 and 4.25 . Students can compare years, counties, and identify counties with the most, least use for different purposes. Background information for the teacher on Water Use. Students will trace the route that water takes from their school or home to reach the Gulf of Mexico. The activity may be extended by having students propose routes that water must follow to get to the Gulf of Mexico from distant locations such as Amarillo.
Students then compare their estimates with actual data.
The discussion can be extended by showing the students the following data that indicates how much water is used for the production of different items. Have students propose ways to reduce these numbers. Based on the data gathered at home, each student should calculate an estimate of the water used on a monthly basis for flushing toilets in their home. Have students compare the minimum or the average volume used to the calculated monthly usage based on data that they gathered at home. E. Students in groups decide on strategy for reducing domestic water waste.