Water Resources and Water Use Notes

Module 26: The Availability of Water

  • Fresh water is less than 3% of all water on Earth.
  • Less than 1% of all water on the planet is accessible for human use.
  • Aquifer: Permeable layer of rock and sediment containing groundwater.
  • Unconfined aquifer: Porous rock covered by soil, allowing easy water flow.
  • Confined aquifer: Surrounded by impermeable rock or clay, impeding water flow.
  • Water table: Uppermost level where water saturates rock or soil.
  • Groundwater recharge: Water percolates through the soil into an aquifer.
  • Spring: Natural water source from an aquifer percolating to the surface.
  • Artesian well: Well drilled into a confined aquifer under pressure.
  • Cone of depression: Area lacking groundwater due to rapid withdrawal by a well.
  • Saltwater intrusion: Infiltration of salt water due to reduced groundwater pressure.

Surface Water

  • Surface water includes streams, rivers, ponds, and wetlands.
  • Floodplain: Land adjacent to a river.
  • Atmospheric water is essential for global water distribution.
  • Impermeable surface: Pavement or buildings that do not allow water penetration.

Module 27: Human Alteration of Water Availability

  • Levee: Enlarged bank built on each side of a river.
  • Dike: Structure to prevent ocean waters from flooding land.
  • Dam: Barrier across a river or stream to control water flow.
  • Reservoir: Water body created by damming a river or stream.
  • Fish ladder: Structure to help migrating fish bypass a dam.
  • Aqueduct: Canal, ditch, or pipe for carrying water.
  • Desalination: Removing salt from salt water.
  • Distillation: Desalination by boiling water and condensing the steam.
  • Reverse osmosis: Desalination by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane.

Module 28: Human Use of Water

  • Water footprint: Total daily per capita use of fresh water.
  • Agriculture uses the most water worldwide.
  • Irrigation Methods:
    • Furrow: Trench flooded with water.
    • Flood: Entire field flooded with water.
    • Spray: Apparatus sprays water across a field.
    • Drip: Slow dripping hose laid on or beneath the soil.
  • Hydroponic agriculture: Cultivation of plants in nutrient-rich solution, using less water and pesticides.
  • Industrial uses of water: generating electricity, cooling machinery, refining metals, making paper
  • Tiered water-pricing systems: Water allocation system that charges rates that increase with the amount of water consumed.
  • Xeriscaping: Landscaping with water-efficient native vegetation.
  • Gray water: Wastewater from baths, showers, bathrooms, and washing machines.
  • Contaminated water: Wastewater from toilets, kitchen sinks, and dishwashers.