Key words - The challenge of resource management

Carbon Footrprint

A measurement of all the greenhouse gases we individually produce, through burning fossil fuels for electricity, transport, etc, expressed as tonnes (or kg) of carbon-dioxide equivalent.

Grey Water

Waste water from people’s homes that can be recycled and put to good use. Uses include water from laundry and toilet flushing. Treated greywater can also be used to irrigate both food and non-food producing plants. The nutrients in the greywater (such as phosphotus and nitrogen) provide an excellent food source for these plants.

Groundwater management

Regulation and control of water levels, pollution, ownership and use of groundwater.

Hydroelectric power

Electricity generated by turbines that are driven by moving water.

Hydroponics

A method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil.

Irrigatioln

Applying water to land in order to supply crops and other plants with necessary water.

Over abstraction

When water is being used more quickly than it’s being replaced.

Renewable energy sources

A resource which isn’t diminished when it’s used; it recurs and cannot be exhausted (for example wind and tidal energy)

Resource management

The control and monitoring of resources so that they don’t become depleted or exhausted.

Sustainable development

Development that meets the needs of the present without limiting the ability for future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable water supply

Meeting the present-day need for safe, reliable and affordable water, which minimises adverse effects on the environment, whilst enabling future generations to meet their requirements.

The blue revolution

The rapid growth of agriculture which refers to all forms of active farming of aquatic animals and plants, occurring in marine or fresh waters. It includes the development of fish farming where farmers rear fish and shellfish in enclosed areas, ponds and tanks.

Waterborne disease

Disease caused by microorganisms that are transmitted in contaminated water. Infection commonly results during bathing, washing, drinking, in the preparation of food, or the consumption of infected food. Eg cholera, typhoid, botulism.

Water conflict

Disputes between different regions or countries about the distribution and use of freshwater. Conflicts arise from the gap between growing demands and diminishing supplies.

Water conservation

The preservation, control and development of water resources, both surface and groundwater, and prevention of pollution.

Water deficit

This exists when water demand is greater than supply.

Water insecurity

When water availability is not enough to ensure the population of an area enjoys good health, livelihood and earnings. This can be caused by water insufficiency or poor water quality.

Water quality

Quality can be measured in terms of the chemical, physical and biological content of water. The most common standards used to assess water quality relate to health of ecosystems, safety of human contact and drinking water.

Water security

The reliable availability of an acceptable quantity and quality of water for health, livelihoods and production.

Water stress

Water stress occurs when the demand for water exceeds the available amount during a certain period or when poor quality restricts its use.

Water surplus

This exists where water supply is greater than demand.

Water transfer

Water transfer schemes attempt to make up for water shortages by constructing elaborate systems of canals, pipes, and dredging over long distances to transport water from one river basin to another.