Key Concepts in Freshwater Systems and Management

fresh water

Water that is not salty and is suitable for drinking and irrigation.

surface water

Water that collects on the surface of the ground, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

runoff

Water that flows over the ground surface and returns to bodies of water.

river system

A network of rivers and streams that drain into a larger body of water.

watershed

An area of land that drains all the streams and rainfall to a common outlet.

groundwater

Water that is found underground in aquifers and soil.

permeable

Material that allows water to pass through it.

impermeable

Material that does not allow water to pass through it.

aquifer

A geological formation that can store and transmit water.

water table

The upper surface of groundwater in an aquifer.

recharge zone

An area where water infiltrates into an aquifer.

well

A hole drilled into the ground to access groundwater.

water diversion

The process of redirecting water from its natural course.

dam

A barrier constructed to hold back water and create a reservoir.

reservoir

A large natural or artificial lake used to store water.

salinization

The accumulation of salts in soil or water.

desalination

The process of removing salt from seawater to produce fresh water.

xeriscaping

Landscaping designed to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation.

point-source pollution

Pollution that comes from a single, identifiable source.

nonpoint-source pollution

Pollution that comes from multiple, diffuse sources.

cultural eutrophication

The process by which human activities increase nutrient levels in water bodies, leading to excessive growth of algae.

wastewater

Water that has been used and contains waste products.

algal bloom

A rapid increase in the population of algae in water bodies.

pathogen

A microorganism that can cause disease.

red tide

A harmful algal bloom that can produce toxins affecting marine life and humans.

septic system

A system for treating wastewater in rural areas.