Water: Sources, Supply Methods, Dams, Desalination, and Regional Water Use (Notes Review)

Flashcards cover Surface runoff, water sources (dams, wells, boerholes, towers, tanks, rivers, springs, wetlands), dam uses and problems, wells vs. boerholes, watertable, desalination, water supply methods (public utility, commercial, community, NGO), and developmental differences in water use.

What is overland flow also called?

Surface runoff: water that flows over the ground or hard surfaces, not infiltrating.

List some water sources mentioned in the notes.

Dams/Reservoirs, Wells, Water towers, Boerholes, Tanks, Water trucks, Rivers, Springs, Water reserves, Wetlands.

What is a dam and what is a typical large-scale example from the notes?

A man-made, large-scale water storage structure; example: Kariba Dam in Zimbabwe.

What is a boerhole and how does it differ from a well according to the notes?

A deeper, more expensive water source that reaches the watertable; boerholes are deeper than wells and cost per meter.

What is the watertable?

The surface of groundwater.

What are some disadvantages of wells as noted?

Labour-intensive; the water could run out; someone can fall in; dangerous for children.

What is desalination?

The process of removing salt from seawater to make it drinkable; very expensive and requires a plant.

Name five problems associated with dam construction listed in the homework notes.

Ecosystem disruption; reduced downstream productivity; social inequality; cultural and heritage loss; debt burden.

What are the three uses of dams listed in the notes?

Hydroelectric power generation; irrigation; flood control.

What are the three broad sectors where water is used, as stated in the notes?

Industrial, Domestic, and Agricultural.

What are the three main water-supply method categories and their examples provided?

Public utilities (e.g., Joburg Water, Rand Water); Commercial organisations (e.g., Oasis, alkaline); Community efforts (e.g., wells dug by village people); NGOs (Non-Government Organisations).

What does NGO stand for?

Non-Government Organisations.

What is the purpose of public utilities in water supply, according to the notes?

To provide water to the public via utilities or commercial organizations, or through community efforts.

What is the example given for a public utility in the notes?

Joburg Water and Rand Water.

What is an example of a large-scale water source listed in the notes?

Dams are described as large-scale water storage structures.

What is an example of a water source to support irrigation and agriculture, aside from dams?

Wells are used to access groundwater for irrigation and domestic use; boerholes are deeper and more expensive.

How does the notes describe Desalination’s role in water supply?

Desalination is used to remove salt from ocean water to make it drinkable, but it is very expensive and requires a plant.

According to the notes, which sector tends to use more water in developed countries and why?

Industry tends to use more water in developed countries because it drives income and development.

According to the notes, which sector tends to use more water in developing countries and why?

Agriculture tends to use more water in developing countries, due to reliance on farming and less advanced industry.