ALJ Class: Why UU’s should give a “dam” about water conservation
Be sure to join Jodi Dutta, a UUCPA member, who will share her knowledge of the critical issues of water conservation, distribution, viability, and sustainability in California in this Adult Learning Journey class.
Jodi is a civil engineer with the San Francisco Regional Office of FERC specializing in dam safety. Through fieldwork, and her educational background in water resources, structures, and even Latin American Studies, she understands how dams relate to healthy water resources in Mediterranean and semi-arid climates. She brings a unique and eye-opening perspective to understanding water supply issues. Given the recent Los Angeles area fires and associated water accessibility issues, this topic couldn’t be timelier.
Through a presentation and Q&A, Jodi will cover the following questions (and more):
- How does regulation affect our current and future water resources?
- How many dams are there in California (you may be surprised!), and why is it so important to understand their role in equitable water distribution?
- Why was there a shortage of water during the LA area fires and what role did reservoirs play in this tragic scenario?
- What does “Day Zero” mean for water usage? Where is this becoming a crisis in the world? What does this have to do with our water supplies?
- Should we be concerned about our drinking water—where it comes from and how it is used?
There will be ample time for audience questions.
Fourth Sunday Waffles and snacks will be available after service. Please use a paper plate. Suggested contribution $2.
Child care will be provided.
Date: February 23, 2025
Time: 11:45-1:15
Location: (Fireside Room/zoom )
Presenter:: Jodi Dutta earned two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Civil Engineering and one in Spanish and Latin American Studies, through the University of Wisconsin system. More recently, she earned a Masters in Teaching degree from Fordham Graduate School of Education in New York City. With her certification to teach Earth Science to adolescents, as a public school teacher she taught at schools in the Bronx and in lower Westchester County. In 2019, she, her husband, and son moved to California. She resumed her prior work as a civil engineer, at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), in January 2023, aiming to develop her first-hand experience and deeper understanding of how Earth Science, civil engineering, and water resources affect daily life in California.