Seas cover seventy percent of Earth's surface, but fresh and consumable water has always been scarce. Tribes, communities, and nations throughout history have struggled to maintain an adequate supply.

Today, the human quest for water has moved to an unexpected neighborhood - the subsurface of the moon. Last year, in 2034, a mining crew from the Chinese Space Agency drilled through 70 meters of lunar landscape and brought up a massive quantity of buried ice. The significance of the discovery was immediately apparent. Up to now, all water used on the moon had to be transported from Earth. This extremely expensive process limited the ability of people to live, work, and settle on the moon. Without a reliable source of water, lunar colonies could never become self-sufficient. The moon would remain a curious and scientifically interesting outpost, but extensive colonization was out of the question.

The discovery of moon water changes everything. Not only will it provide an immediate supply of essential drinking water, it also makes large-scale gardening possible. Lunar water can serve as a source of oxygen, another vital resource not readily found on the moon. And even the hydrogen in water is useful. It can be converted into rocket fuel, making the moon a perfect refueling and re-launching station for interplanetary space travel.

Water makes business ventures possible as well. Perhaps the most appealing non-scientific aspect of the discovery is the possibility of expanded tourism. Although few humans relish the idea of taking up permanent residence in the harsh conditions of a moon camp, nearly thirty percent of frequent travelers have expressed an interest in vacationing on the moon if the trip can be made feasible and affordable. This represents millions of potential visitors.

Not surprisingly, the breakthrough has also brought about a high degree of uncertainty and conflict. The quantity of water, either in the form of ice or hydrated minerals, may be relatively small. It may be difficult to extract as well. Ice deposits are patchy and rarely found where scientists expect them to be. (The Chinese engineers drilled 957 dry spots before hitting the first frozen deposit.) There is also a question of water rights. Although China was first to actually find water, the U.S. was first to land on the moon. Which, it either, owns the water? Currently, a French hotel chain and an Australian religious group maintain permanent presence on the moon. Are they not entitled to a share of the water? What about future generations?

As nations and corporations gear up to drill and explore for lunar water, the United Nations has announced plans for an international conference on the future of the moon in light of recent discoveries. What important challenges should the conference consider? What single problem of great significance would you like to see resolved? Use your problem solving skills to address and solve issues raised by the discovery of water on what scientists have called "the most valuable piece of real estate in the Solar System."

© 2001 Future Problem Solving of Virginia