Untitled Flashcards Set

What percentage of the world’s water is unnecessarily wasted and what are two causes of such waste? 

One-half to two-thirds of water is wasted

Evaporation, leaks, and inefficient use

Describe four irrigation methods and describe ways to reduce water waste in irrigation in developed and developing countries.

surface irrigation (flood or furrow), sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation, and subsurface irrigation

List ways to reduce water waste in industry and homes.

• Recycle water used in industry

• Use low-flow toilets, showerheads, and front-loading washing machines

• Fix leaks in the plumbing systems

• Use native plants in landscaping

• Use gray water

− Used water from bathtubs, showers, sinks, dishwashers, and clothes washers

• Water meters reduce water use

List ways to use water more sustainably. 

Reduce water use

− Use water more efficiently

− Cut water losses

− Raise water prices

− Protect aquifers, forests, and other ecosystems that store and release water

Describe ways in which you can reduce your use and waste of water.

9. What is a floodplain and why do people like to live on floodplains?

- Area flooded when a stream overflows its channel

− Fertile soils for farming

− Recharge groundwater and refill wetlands

fertile land for agriculture lines the floodplain, and the nearby water source makes life easier

What are the benefits and drawbacks of floods?

Floods can be destructive to humans and the natural environment, but they also help to drive biodiversity and are essential to the functioning of many ecosystems

List three human activities that increase the risk of flooding. 

deforestation, urbanization, construction in floodplains, poor drainage systems, agricultural practices that alter soil quality, mining activities that disrupt natural water flow, and improper dam management

Describe the increased risk that many people in Bangladesh face. 

How can we reduce the risks of flooding?

Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water back ups. 

Rely more on nature’s systems

− Wetlands

− Natural vegetation in watersheds

• Rely less on engineering devices

− Dams

− Levees

− Channelized streams