A River Ran Through It: How a Changing Climate Is Impacting US River Systems

• This short article discusses various climate change impacts on river systems in the United States and the resulting issues related to drinking water, pollution, energy production, and recreation. 
• Students will learn how changes in river levels, flooding, precipitation, snowpack, and seasonal variability impact US water sources. 

Positives

• This article thoroughly explains the impacts of climate change on water quality and the threats that U.S. rivers face.
• A map shows how climate change impacts the water supply and quality in different regions of the US.

Additional Prerequisites

• Although this resource focuses on the US, climate change is also impacting river systems around the world.

Differentiation

• Students could identify their region using the map and discuss any changes or problems they have noticed with the water supply or water quality in their communities.
• Engineering or design classes could discuss how each region should start preparing for water supply problems. Students could work in small groups to design a plan for infrastructure and policies to ensure all people have access to clean drinking water as climate change continues to impact the water cycle. 
• Other resources on this topic include this interactive mapping tool that shows the path a raindrop will take through the waterways of the Earth, this TED video on granting rivers and lakes legal personhood, and this podcast on water scarcity.