Thames Water The Great Debate Lesson plan 1

1. Thames Water The Great DebateLesson plan 1

2. Introduction • At the end of this session you will: • Have an awareness of water consumption in the UK and how it relates to other parts of the world • Be aware of the importance of water conservation and efficiency in the UK • Understand and be aware of your role in the next session • Be tasked to prepare and research for this role • Have some simple tips to hand which will enable you to reduce your own water consumption

3. Introduction – The Scenario • Clear Water Park is a fictitious development of flats, starter homes, family houses, executive homes and businesses situated in Clear-Water on –Thames a beautiful part of the Thames Water region • Clear Water Park has been selected as an area to become one of the UK’s first showcase water neutral communities. • This will mean the whole town of Clear-Water-on-Thames offsetting the water consumption of the new development. Requiring a period of considerable change for the existing community while state of the art technology and new water efficient processes are installed. • The residents of Clear-Water-on-Thames and future residents of Clear Water Park have been asked to think about and possibly change their water consumption habits to ensure water neutrality.

4. Introduction Continued – The Scenario • You will be taking on the role of residents or panel representativesmade up of interested groups in a debate held by the Local Authority focusing on water management and efficiency. • Some of you will be members of the panel, others will be residents with opinions to voice. • You will be provided with Character Profile Cards but you may wish to make up your own profile. You should develop your characters profile by matching them with opinionsandsound bites,and choose whether you are for or against the behaviour and technological changes that may be required so that the community can become water neutral. • Use the extra information provided to have facts and sound bites ready to support your point of view. • Everyone is encouraged to raise points and ask questions.

5. Debate Objectives • Explain proposed plans for water efficiency and to get the agreement of residents for the use of proposed water efficiency measures • Gain information / opinions from existing residents and from interested parties • Reach a conclusion about whether becoming water neutral will benefit the existing and future residents of Clear Water on Thames and Clear Water Park.

6. Characters • The panel • Environmental Studies Student • Environment Agency (EA) Regional Director • Local Teenager • Local Hotelier • New and Existing Residents • Part-time Sales Executive • Wealthy Resident • Single Parent • Water Company Worker • New Hotel Manager • Local Hairdresser • Global Traveller • Elderly Person • Single Occupant Retired Person • The Observers • Members of the local press

7. Allocation of Characters Choose 2 of these characters, then use the character opinions, facts and soundbites information to build this character’s profile

8. Characters, possible opinions and soundbites Character Image 1 Use the character, opinions and soundbites sheet to build this character profile

9. Characters, possible opinions and soundbites Character Image 2 Use the character, opinions and soundbites sheet to build this character profile

10. Input and discussion Water Consumption

11. Why is careful water usage so important? • The South-East of the UK has been identified as an area of water stress • During the past two decades we, in the UK, have been steadily increasing the amount of water we use. • In fact, we consume water so freely that most of the time we don’t even think about it. • But our lives would be very different if we didn’t have enough water.

12. How much water do we use?

13. How much water do we use? My Daily Consumption Write here YOUR estimated daily consumption

14. How much water do we use? On average, each person in the UK uses 160 litres per day But that’s okay – The UK gets loads of rain… Doesn’t it?

15. Rainfall Figures for Thames Water Region 1997 - 2007 Source Thames Water

16. The Water cycle

17. ConclusionLowering your impact

18. Lowering your impact – what can be done? • Use a shower ‘timer’ to make sure you only use the water you need. • Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth – this can save about 6 litres of water each time. • Use a washing-up bowl or an efficient dishwasher instead of washing-up under a running tap. • Encouraging your family to use water efficient and ‘eco friendly’ products like water-saving shower heads and ‘Hippo’ or ‘Save-a-flush’ bags

19. Lowering your impact – what else can be done? what can be done? Write your practical solutions here for lowering your consumption of water - becoming more water efficient

20. Research & preparationThe databank

21. Databank • www.thameswater.co.uk/thegreatdebate/ • Films and photos - view short films and photographs • Water demand, saving and efficiency - find out more about demand for, and how water can be saved or used more efficiently homes and business • Charts, diagrams and tables - asses your character’s likely water use. Find data and statistics to support your point of view • Quick facts and tips – for your role in the Great Debate and you