The Dilemma

The Smiths own a home on the Muskegon River and pump water out of the river to water their lawn and fill the above ground pool. This is the third year in which the water table levels are below normal. This year the water level in the river is five inches below where it was three years ago. They own 15 acres on which they grow lettuce, celery, tomatoes, beans and hay. They have three horses and five head of cattle. They use non-organic high nitrogen fertilizers. Neighbors complain that the Smith's are contributing to water pollution, the growth of bacteria in the water, contamination of ground water and causing greater deposit of sediment in the river. They are filing a complaint with local and state governmental environmental commissions.

The Smiths say it is their land and not anyone's concern.

Directions: After reading this dilemma, discuss and debate the following question and write the conclusions your group reached.

How is this a conflict between individual rights and community responsibility?

What are the valid issues in this problem? What solutions could you propose?