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Real-World Problems Being Solved By Mathematicians

Provide Clean Water

Real-World Problem

How can a city be sure that is has enough clean water?

Being Solved by Mathematicians

Imagine the impact in homes and hospitals, to farmers or firefighters, if water is not available when people need it most.

A city’s public water commission is responsible for anticipating and meeting the demand for clean water. To do this they monitor water levels, and they study how water-use patterns change on afternoons and evenings, on weekdays, weekends and holidays.

Computer science offers a way to record information about water use over time. Mathematics and statistics offer tools to analyze the patterns, identify extremes and predict the need for water.

Tap Water

Try Your Hand...

There was something strange about the way water was used in Edmonton, Alberta one cold February day. Will there be enough water when it is needed most?

Activity Sheet

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