This turn-based simulation game allows you to step into the shoes of a local Water Czar. You must manage financial constraints, political rivalries, and of course, ensure there’s enough clean water for everyone in your growing community.
In the game, you’ll take over management of one of three zones within a watershed: Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream. Development costs may be greater in the highlands, but being close to the snowpack that feeds the watershed allows the community to easily access clean water. As you move downhill, water quality becomes harder to maintain, but development costs decrease.
At the start of each turn, you can make one of four choices. Developing land encourages more people to come to your community, and it allows your economy (and budget) to grow. Upgrading water treatment helps maintain high water quality for you and your downstream neighbors. Investing in conservation permanently decreases the amount of water your zone needs by increasing efficiency. And lastly, if things are going fine, you can sit back and do nothing for a turn.
Be careful! Failure to consistently meet downstream water deliveries (after Turn 10) will lead to financial penalties paid to your neighbor. If water quality becomes too reduced, the federal government could step in and end your tenure. Likewise, the state government is keeping a keen eye on your financials, and poor fiscal management can lead to your removal.
The game lasts for a total of 20 turns. You will compete against two automated, highly-effective water management czars. At the end of the game, a final score based on population, water quality, and community satisfaction is calculated for each of the three zone czars. The player with the highest score wins!