Lecture 4: Water Quantity & Quality Review

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the major concepts of water hydrology, quality parameters, and Philippine environmental regulations.

Percolation

The downward movement of water through saturated soil to replenish groundwater and aquifers.

Surface Runoff

Water that flows over the land surface because it does not infiltrate the ground.

Confined Aquifer

Groundwater stored between impermeable rock layers.

Water Availability

The sustainable amount of usable water that can be used without harming ecosystems.

Water Stress

A condition where water demand exceeds available supply or where poor quality limits its use.

Green Water Footprint

Rainwater evaporated from crop fields or used by crops during growth.

Apparent Color

The total color of water including both dissolved and suspended particles.

True Color

The color of water derived from dissolved content only.

Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

Solid particles in water that cause turbidity and can reduce treatment efficiency.

Arsenic

A toxic heavy metal that can cause immediate fish death at high concentrations.

Coliforms

Biological indicator bacteria commonly used to detect possible fecal contamination.

BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand)

The primary chemical parameter used as a measure of organic pollution in wastewater.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

An essential parameter for the survival of aquatic organisms.

Eutrophication

A condition caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus entering water bodies.

Disinfection

The final step in the water treatment process that kills bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.

RA 9275

The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, which is the primary law regulating water quality in the Philippines.

DENR

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the primary agency enforcing water quality regulations.

Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)

The bureau responsible for issuing discharge permits.

DAO 2016-08

A policy that establishes water body classification and Water Quality Standards.

WQMA

An acronym that stands for Water Quality Management Area.

Water Quality

The suitability of water for its intended use.

Water Quantity

The measure of how much water is available; lower quantities can lead to higher concentrations of pollutants.

Acid Rain

Rainwater that typically has a $pH$ value around $5.6$.