Introduction to Environmental Science - Water Usage and Quality

These flashcards cover key concepts about water usage, its quality, and aspects related to environmental science based on the lecture notes.

What percentage of US water usage is accounted for by public supply?

~12%.

What is the largest use of water in the United States?

Electric power generation, accounting for ~46% of water use.

What common activities fall under the category of public water supply?

Drinking, showering, cooking, home irrigation, and commercial uses.

What is embedded water?

Water that is hidden within commonly used products.

How much water is needed to produce 1 pound of pork?

500 gallons of water.

What has contributed to the efficiency of water use in the US?

Techniques such as switching from flood irrigation to sprinklers and then to drip irrigation.

What percent of water usage reduction has been seen in irrigation?

9% reduction.

What states use the most water in the US?

California (9%), Texas (7%), Idaho (6%), Arkansas (4%), Florida (5%).

What challenges does most water sources face in terms of accessibility?

70% of freshwater is trapped in ice, while only ~0.25% is surface water.

What is the average residence time of water in the ocean?

3,000 years.

What role do glaciers and ice caps play in the water cycle?

They store around 1.8% of Earth's water and can have residence times of up to 200,000 years.

What are the downsides of dams in water supply systems?

Sediment buildup behind dams, loss of fish habitats, and destruction of terrestrial habitats.

What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?

Only 2.8%.

What is the relationship between precipitation and water in reservoirs?

Precipitation can replenish water in lakes and groundwater, but also leads to runoff.

What does the term 'hydrosphere' refer to?

The total amount of water on, in, and above the Earth.

How much time does a water molecule spend in the atmosphere on average?

About 10 days.

What form of water represents 0.76% of Earth's water?

Groundwater.

What is one key benefit of human-made reservoirs?

They store extra water during wet years for use in dry years.