Key Concepts in Water Pollution and Management

Point Source

Single identifiable source of pollution.

Nonpoint Source

Diffuse sources of pollution without a single point.

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Amount of oxygen needed by microorganisms to decompose organic matter.

Eutrophication

Nutrient enrichment causing excessive plant growth in water.

Cultural Eutrophication

Human activities accelerating natural eutrophication processes.

Indicator Species

Species used to assess environmental health.

Fecal Coliform Bacteria

Bacteria indicating potential contamination by fecal matter.

Septic System

On-site sewage treatment system for household wastewater.

Septic Tank

Underground tank for settling and treating sewage.

Sludge

Solid waste material settled from wastewater.

Septage

Liquid waste from septic tanks, often needing treatment.

Leach Field

Area where septic effluent is dispersed into soil.

Manure Lagoon

Large pit for storing animal waste before treatment.

Acid Deposition

Acidic pollutants deposited from the atmosphere to the ground.

Perchlorates

Chemical compounds harmful to water quality and health.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Industrial chemicals banned due to environmental toxicity.

Thermal Pollution

Temperature increase in water bodies affecting ecosystems.

Thermal Shock

Sudden temperature change harming aquatic organisms.

Federal Water Pollution Control Act

Legislation aimed at regulating water pollution.

Clean Water Act

U.S. law governing water quality standards.

Safe Drinking Water Act

Regulates the nation's public drinking water supply.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)

Legal limit for contaminants in drinking water.

Aquifer

Underground layer of water-bearing rock.

Unconfined Aquifer

Aquifer without an overlying impermeable layer.

Confined Aquifer

Aquifer trapped between impermeable layers.

Water Table

Upper surface of saturated ground in an aquifer.

Groundwater Recharge

Process of replenishing groundwater supplies.

Spring

Natural water flow from the ground.

Artesian Well

Well tapping confined aquifer under pressure.

Cone of Depression

Lowered water table around a well due to pumping.

Saltwater Intrusion

Movement of saltwater into freshwater aquifers.

Subsidence

Sinking of the ground due to groundwater extraction.

Wetland

Ecosystem saturated with water, supporting diverse life.

Floodplain

Flat area adjacent to rivers prone to flooding.

Riparian

Relating to areas adjacent to rivers or streams.

Impermeable Surface

Surface that does not allow water to pass through.

Levee

Earthen structure to prevent river flooding.

Dike

Barrier to control water flow and prevent flooding.

Dam

Structure to hold back water and create reservoirs.

Reservoir

Artificial lake for water storage and supply.

Fish Ladder

Structure allowing fish to bypass obstacles.

Anadromous

Fish migrating from sea to freshwater to spawn.

Aqueduct

Channel for transporting water over long distances.

Desalination

Process of removing salt from seawater.

Distillation

Separation process using heat to purify water.

Reverse Osmosis

Water purification method using a semipermeable membrane.

Water Footprint

Total volume of freshwater used by an individual.

Furrow Irrigation

Irrigation method using small trenches for water.

Flood Irrigation

Irrigation method flooding fields with water.

Spray Irrigation

Irrigation method spraying water over crops.

Drip Irrigation

Irrigation method delivering water directly to roots.

Hydroponic Agriculture

Growing plants without soil, using nutrient solutions.

Tiered Water-Pricing Systems

Pricing strategy based on water usage levels.

Xeriscaping

Landscaping method reducing water use in gardens.

Gray Water

Reused wastewater from sinks and showers.

Contaminated Water

Water polluted with harmful substances.