Texas A&M course addresses water scarcity challenges – AgriLife Today

Water is fundamental to sustaining life, yet billions of people around the world struggle to access this vital resource.

To address this pressing problem, Douglas Kingman, Ph.D., an instructional professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, has developed a course for Texas A&M University students called “The World Has a Drinking Problem,” which takes a deep dive into the complexities of global water challenges that touch every corner of the world – including here in Texas.

Originally designed in 2021 to satisfy both a scientific and cultural discourse credential, this course has exploded in popularity, bringing students from across campus to learn how water scarcity affects everyone, not just those involved in agriculture and the life sciences.

“This course is a great example of how the department is creating connections between its students and industry stakeholders in unique and innovative ways,” said Patricia Smith, Ph.D., head of the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering.

Most recently, the department was ranked No. 1 among undergraduate programs in the nation in the latest “Best Colleges” rankings by U.S. News and World Report.

“This course is about teaching all Aggies the importance of water conservation and how crucial it is to address these issues for our future,” Kingman said. “We strive to educate our students about these critical issues and the need for solutions at the local, national and global levels.”

A vision on water education

When tasked with creating a course that would appeal to a broad audience and meet multiple academic requirements, Kingman seized the opportunity. “The World Has a Drinking Problem” started with just 70 students and has since grown to nearly 300 per section, attracting students from more than 50 different fields of study.

What attracts students is not just the fact that the course ticks their study plans and has a catchy title; it is about the importance and urgency of the subject. Kingman’s class delves deep into the issues surrounding water distribution, comparing bottled and tap water and examining the political, social and environmental impacts of water shortages.

Through engaging lectures and lively group discussions, students critically examine not only the science behind water resources, but also the social implications of how this vital resource is distributed. They explore topics such as the differences between bottled and tap water, the intricacies of irrigation, and the ethics of water access.

With classmates from such a wide range of disciplines, students have a unique opportunity to engage in conversations about how global water issues relate to race, gender, and socioeconomic status, and to understand how these factors vulnerable communities disproportionately affect.

Shaping the future of water management

Kingman teaches his students to approach problems from a holistic perspective, combining technology and empathy.

Another unique aspect of the course is its dual focus: addressing the global water crisis and encouraging students to explore the social implications of unequal water distribution.

“The water crisis is not just a problem for Texas or the US,” he said. “It is global and will impact agriculture, food security and the most vulnerable communities. There is no quick fix, but innovation in areas such as irrigation, water purification and policy can make a difference.”

Kingman attributes much of the course’s success to the flexibility his department provided, allowing him to offer it outside the usual agriculture curriculum. He also credits the hard work of his teaching assistants, whose dedication has created a strong community among the students each semester.

“It’s the students who really make the course special,” says Kingman. “They come from diverse academic backgrounds and bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. Their diverse views are essential to tackling the multifaceted problems of water management.”

Kingman’s course goes beyond the technical side and includes lessons on how water scarcity disproportionately impacts underserved communities. He emphasizes the need for students to develop empathy for those who are often overlooked in resource discussions.

Through this broader human lens, he hopes students learn that the water crisis is not just about scarcity, but about justice. By encouraging critical thinking, Kingman helps his students connect their academic experiences with the real world, challenge their assumptions and broaden their horizons.

For more information about the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, visit www.baen.tamu.edu.