Water Systems Review Questions

Solid water can be found in

polar regions including Antarctica, the Arctic, glaciers, ice caps, and snow-covered mountains.

Surface water

Water found above ground in lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands.

Groundwater

Water that soaks into the ground and fills the spaces between rocks and soil.

Importance of groundwater

It is essential for drinking water for many people and animals, and aquifers need to be protected from pollution.

Water cycle

The continuous movement of water around Earth, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.

Factors affecting water consumption

Weather, financial resources, and access to clean water can create disparities in water usage.

First step in water treatment

Intake: Removal of large objects from water using a metal screen.

Addition of chemicals in water treatment

Alum is added to help form floc, which removes impurities.

Sedimentation in water treatment

Floc settles at the bottom of a settling tank, allowing clean water to rise.

Filtration in water treatment

Clean water is filtered through sand, gravel, and charcoal to remove contaminants.

Disinfection process

Chlorine is added to kill harmful organisms in the treated water.

Water storage in treatment

Clean, treated water is stored in tanks or reservoirs until distribution.

Boiling water as a treatment

Boiling effectively kills germs, making water safe to drink.

Using a water filter

Filters remove dirt and bacteria from water for drinking safety.

Watershed

Land where all water drains into a common river, lake, or ocean.

Conservation Authority's role

Protects the environment, including rivers, lakes, forests, and wetlands.

Bioremediation

Using living organisms, like bacteria, to break down harmful chemicals.

Global warming impact on freshwater

Causes melting glaciers and increased droughts, reducing available clean water.

Water table and well connection

A well taps into the groundwater below the water table.

Spring vs. well

A spring naturally releases groundwater, while a well is man-made to extract water.

Advantages of groundwater

Typically cleaner due to natural filtration by rocks.

Disadvantages of groundwater

Higher extraction costs compared to surface water.

Changes of state in the water cycle

Includes evaporation, condensation, precipitation, collection/runoff, freezing, and melting.