Water Study Guide APES

Evaporation

Process that changes liquid water to water vapor.

Aquifer

Porous rock that can contain water.

Cone of depression

Circular area surrounding a well where groundwater levels are reduced from pumping.

Transpiration

Process of water transportation through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts such as leaves.

Confining layer

Body of material next to an aquifer with little room between particles for liquid to flow through.

Overdrafting

More water is pumped from a groundwater basin than replaced from all sources.

Condensation

The process where water vapor becomes liquid.

Groundwater

Water present beneath Earth’s surfaces in rock and soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations.

Saltwater intrusion

Movement of saline water into freshwater aquifers.

Precipitation

Any form of water falling from clouds to the surface.

Water table

The level below the ground which is saturated with water.

Gray water

Water that has been used.

Black water

Water with waste in it. (POOP)

Runoff

Water that flows over the land surface.

Watershed

Areas of land that drain to a particular water body.

Reverse osmosis

Removes contaminants in water by forcing it through a semipermeable membrane.

Infiltration

Process where water on the ground surface enters the soil.

Desalination

Removing salt and other impurities from seawater for drinking and using purposes.

Artesian aquifer

Aquifer surrounded by impermeable layers of rock and clay.

Economic water shortage

Occurs when water is available, but lack of infrastructure or financial resources prevent people from accessing it.

Physical water shortage

Happens when there is not enough water to meet demand due to natural scarcity, climate conditions, or overuse.

Surface flow

Movement of water over the Earth's surface, typically in rivers, streams, or runoff after precipitation.

Surface water

Any water found on the Earth's surface, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and reservoirs.

Septic tank

Watertight tank designed to receive and partially treat sanitary wastewater.

Floodplain

Area adjacent to a river that experiences flooding when there’s a lot of rain.

Eutrophic water

Water high in nutrient content (nitrogen and phosphorous).

Oligotrophic water

Water low in nutrient content.

Xeriscape

Designing landscaping to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation.

Estuary

Zone where fresh and saltwater mix.

Effluent

Liquid waste released back into water.

Point source pollution

Source of pollution that is identifiable.

Non-point source pollution

Source of pollution that is not easily identifiable.

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Measures the amount of oxygen needed to break down organic matter in water.

Dead zones

Areas in aquatic environments where low oxygen levels result in the death of marine life.

E. coli

Indicator of fecal contamination in water.

Primary treatment

Physical methods in wastewater treatment such as bar screen and primary clarifier.

Secondary treatment

Biological methods in wastewater treatment such as aeration tank and secondary clarifier.

Tertiary treatment

Advanced treatment to remove specific pollutants from wastewater when needed.

Disinfection methods

Techniques used prior to wastewater release, including chlorine, ozone, or UV light.

Hydropower

Electricity generated from turbines in pipelines due to water flow.

How do many water treatment plants supply most of their own electricity?

Biogas from wastewater treatment

• Anaerobic digesters break down organic waste from sewage and waste water which produces METHANE used for electricity 

How much of wastewater is simply water?

99% water 1% waste

Most communities don’t remove nitrogen or phosphorous from wastewater. Why might some communities have to do that?

To prevent eutrophication 

What are Miami citizens supposed to do to keep paints, oils, pesticides, and other chemicals out of wastewater or groundwater?

Chemical disposal with the city 

• Household hazardous waste collection centers

• Avoid overusing pesticides and fertilizers