Water Resources Exam Review

A comprehensive set of flashcards designed to cover key concepts related to water resources and management from the lecture notes.

What are the primary methods of water supply?

Reservoirs/dams, wells and bore holes, and desalination.

What are the major uses of water in different economic sectors?

Agricultural, domestic, and industrial purposes.

What factors can lead to water shortages in certain areas?

Varying precipitation, evaporation levels, land use, development of water supply infrastructure, technology level, population density, and proximity to rivers.

How can disputes over water rights arise?

People or countries may use more water than their fair share, pollute water sources, or dam rivers that affect downstream supply.

How does the level of economic development influence water usage?

Countries with higher agricultural dependence or industrial development use water differently compared to those with more piped water access for homes.

What are the reasons for increased domestic water usage globally?

Growing population, increased use of pipes and household appliances, greater hygiene needs, and developmental growth in less economically developed countries.

What are some methods to obtain a reliable water supply?

Building large-scale dams, desalination plants, accessing groundwater, cloud seeding, and water importation.

What are some advantages of constructing large-scale water supply projects?

Reliability, increased supply, potential cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.

What are some disadvantages of large-scale water supply projects?

Land use conflicts, environmental damage, and impacts on local communities.

What benefits does access to reliable clean water provide?

Improved health, sanitation, hygiene, quality of life, and economic development.

What are low-tech methods for conserving water?

Regulating river pollution, hosepipe bans, using showers, collecting rainwater, and educating people.

What are high-tech methods to manage water resources?

Building dams to store excess water and treatment plants to recycle water.

What impacts can water shortages have on communities?

Loss of lives, food production decreases, migration to urban areas, economic slowdown, and increased disease spread due to poor sanitation.