Freshwater Resources

Key Terms and Key Concepts on Freshwater Resources

Hydrologic Cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface through processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Reservoir

A body of water in the hydrologic cycle where water is stored (oceans, glaciers, groundwater, etc.)

Flux

Movement of water between different reservoirs in the hydrologic cycle.

Water Table

The upper boundary of the saturated zone in groundwater systems.

Groundwater

Subsurface water contained in pore spaces within unconsolidated rocky material and bedrock.

Aquifer

Underground layer of permeable rock, sediment, or soil that contains water.

Groundwater Overdraft

The condition that occurs when groundwater is pumped faster than it is recharged, often resulting in land subsidence.

Land Subsidence

The gradual settling or sudden sinking of the Earth's surface due to subsurface movement of materials, often caused by groundwater extraction.

Virtual Water

The total amount of embedded water used to produce goods and services, also called water footprint.

Xeriscaping

Landscape design that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation by using drought-tolerant plants and efficient watering methods.

Graywater

Wastewater from bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines that can be recycled for non-potable uses.

Blackwater

Wastewater containing human waste from toilets and kitchen waste, requiring more extensive treatment before reuse.

Desalination

The process of removing salt and other minerals from seawater to produce freshwater.

Bioswale

A vegetated linear depression designed to clean and infiltrate stormwater runoff.