Water Use and Management Lecture Notes

A set of flashcards covering key concepts and details about water use and management from the lecture notes.

What are the two main types of water?

Surface water and groundwater.

What are green water, blue water, and gray water?

Green water is water held in soil and vegetation, blue water is that stored in lakes and aquifers, and gray water is treated water that can be reused.

What percentage of the Earth's water is freshwater?

2.5% of Earth's total water is freshwater.

What is physical water scarcity?

A situation where water resources are approaching or have exceeded sustainable limits.

What is economic water scarcity?

A situation where water is available locally, but limited access due to human, institutional, and financial factors.

What percentage of Canadians rely on groundwater for domestic water?

25% of Canadians rely on groundwater.

What are riparian water rights?

Rights that allow landowners to use water from a body of water adjacent to their property.

What is virtual water?

Water embedded in goods and services accounting for all the water used in the production process.

What major challenge is affecting freshwater systems?

Climate change causing floods and droughts.

What are the impacts of land use and water withdrawal on aquatic environments?

Increasing attention has been given due to significant water contamination issues.