I went to the waterworks museum.
First of all, I learned that they had improved the system of the engine in three stages. The engines improved bigger and more efficient in response to the needs of Bostonians. I was surprised by they had to make the new machine out of the building and extend a building to get enough space for the engine. Now, the amount of clean water meets the number of all people in Boston. Besides, they provide safe and clean water and the guide told us they have high water quality in the US. Therefore, I understood that they have made efforts to provide sufficient and clean water to people in Boston.
Second, water quality relates to population density, race, and income. I could understand the area gathering many people like city don’t tend to make water clean. However, I had never thought there is a connection between clean water and race, income, and country. Colored, non-native, and low-salary people are likely not to get clean water. I often hear that these people suffer from poverty, hunger, and discrimination. But I thought all people can get the same quality water because water is provided from the same place. These people face challenging problems in terms of not only food but also water. I believe it is a typical example of environmental injustice. We have to consider how we can reduce this situation.
Finally, we have a lot of ways to improve water quality. They gave us eight watershed protection tools. These ways looked difficult for me because I couldn’t imagine how to use these ways. But the guide showed us the 3D map and demonstrated how we use these methods in actuality. So, I could understand well about every tool. In these measures, I think education is one of the most effective ways. We can care about the water quality by changing the location of buildings and roads, but to do that, we have to recreate our town from the beginning. If all people recognize the importance of keeping water quality and how to maintain it, we can decrease to put dirty materials into the water. Also, we learned how to adjust the amount of water. We can do that by changing ocean water into the water to drink, collecting water when it rains, and using chemicals to make water drinkable. These measures take a long time to make practical, but if it goes well, I think they will bring many benefits to us.
In conclusion, I learned about engines, the connection of water and discrimination, and ways to improve current problems. I could get many bits of knowledge and views, so I’d like to more consider water quality and how to develop it.
Nao Miyama