Final answer:
Building dams to create water reservoirs is a likely strategy for reducing future drought impacts, as it allows for water collection and storage during wet periods for later use.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely part of a scientist's plan to help reduce the impacts of future droughts in a southwestern United States city would be B. building dams on local rivers to create water reservoirs. This approach aligns with historical and current water conservation strategies in arid regions, such as those found in California and Arizona. Water reservoirs behind dams can collect and store water during wet periods for use in times of drought. They can also be used for urban water supplies, hydroelectricity, flood control, and recreation despite some ecological concerns. Additional strategies might include conservation efforts, improving irrigation efficiency, rainwater harvesting, and the possible use of desalination where appropriate to mitigate the impacts of drought and to secure a more reliable water supply for drinking and agriculture.