ENVIROSCI Module 6.1

What percentage of water on Earth is freshwater?

Only 2.5%

Why is water considered a renewable resource?

Because it is constantly recycled via the water cycle.

What is the water cycle?

The movement of water through various water compartments such as surface waters, atmosphere, soil, and living organisms.

What is transpiration?

The loss of water vapor from plants.

What is evapotranspiration?

The combination of evaporation and transpiration.

What is groundwater?

Water found underground trapped in soil or porous rock.

What is surface water?

Any body of water found above the ground, such as rivers and lakes.

What is infiltration?

The process of water soaking into the ground.

What is the water table?

The uppermost water level of the saturated zone of an aquifer.

What is saltwater intrusion?

The inflow of ocean water into a freshwater aquifer when it loses freshwater.

What are water wars?

Political conflicts over the allocation of water sources.

Why are water wars becoming more common?

Due to overuse, climate change, and unequal distribution of water.

What is water scarcity?

Not having access to enough clean water.

What is physical water scarcity?

When there is not enough water available.

What is economic water scarcity?

When people cannot afford to access water.

Which sector uses the most water globally?

Agriculture

What is domestic water?

Indoor and outdoor water used by households and small businesses.

How does income affect domestic water use?

Domestic water use increases as income increases.

What does potable water mean?

Water that is clean enough for consumption.

What is the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)?

A federal law that protects public drinking water supplies in the United States.

What is wastewater?

Used and contaminated water released after use.

What is wastewater treatment?

The process of removing contaminants from wastewater.

What is a dam?

A structure that blocks the flow of water in a river or stream.

What is a reservoir?

An artificial lake formed when a river is impounded by a dam.

What is desalination?

The removal of salt and minerals from seawater to make it suitable for consumption.

What is a water footprint?

The water consumed by a person or used to produce goods and energy.

What is direct water use?

Water used for personal needs like cooking, washing, and cleaning.

What is indirect water use?

Water used by industry to produce the products and energy we consume.