Water: A Limited Resource Chapter 14 Water: A Limited Resource
The Importance of Water shapes continents moderates our climate is essential for all living organisms
The Importance of Water Properties of Water Composition and polarity Hydrogen bonding properties
The Importance of Water Properties of Water Chemical composition of seawater
The Importance of Water The Hydrologic Cycle
The Importance of Water Our Supply of Fresh Water
The Importance of Water Types of water: surface water runoff drainage basin groundwater aquifers
The Importance of Water Largest watersheds
The Importance of Water Aquifers
Water Use and Resource Problems Problems fall into 3 categories: Too much Too little Poor quality / contamination (Chap. 22)
Water Use and Resource Problems Too Much Water Removing vegetation and constructing buildings increases flooding potential on flood plains
Water Use and Resource Problems Too Much Water Flood Management Channelization
Water Use and Resource Problems Too Much Water Flood Management Levees with natural river
Water Use and Resource Problems Case-in-Point: The Floods of 1993
Water Use and Resource Problems Too Little Water Droughts Overdrawing Surface Waters Aquifer depletion Causes subsidence Can lead to saltwater intrusion
Water Use and Resource Problems Saltwater intrusion
Water Use and Resource Problems Too Little Water Droughts Overdrawing Surface Waters Aquifer depletion Causes subsidence Can lead to saltwater intrusion Salinization of Irrigated Soil
Average annual precipitation
Water Problems in the US Surface Water Most problems in the West and Southwest Aqueducts transport water from distance sources
Water Problems in the US Surface Water Examples of problems: Mono Lake The Colorado River Basin
Water Problems in the US Groundwater Aquifer depletion
Water Problems in the US Groundwater Aquifer depletion - Ogallala Aquifer
Global Water Problems Water distribution globally is very inequitable In addition, stable runoff varies Drinking Water Problems 1.4 billion lack safe water 2.9 billion lack proper wastewater disposal
Global Water Problems Population Growth and Water Problems India – 8,000 villages have no local water China – water table falling 2-3 m / year Pakistan – lack of water led to riots in 2001 Mexico – water table falling 3.5 m / year in Mexico City
Global Water Problems Sharing Water Resources among Countries The Rhine River Basin
Global Water Problems Sharing Water Resources among Countries The Aral Sea 1997 1976
Global Water Problems Sharing Water Resources among Countries Potentially Volatile International Water Situations Jordan River Nile River
Water Management Providing a Sustainable Water Supply Sustainable water use seeks to provide water to future generations without damaging ecosystems.
Water Management Providing a Sustainable Water Supply Dams and Reservoirs Pros – Ensure year-round water supply Hydropower Recreation
Water Management Providing a Sustainable Water Supply Dams and Reservoirs Cons – Alter ecosystems Sediment Deposition
Water Management Providing a Sustainable Water Supply Dams and Reservoirs Example: Effect of dam on Colorado River in Grand Canyon
Water Management Providing a Sustainable Water Supply Water Diversion Projects
Water Management Providing a Sustainable Water Supply Desalinization Condenses Two methods: 1) Distillation Simplified process: Salt water Produces steam Pure water is collected Water boiled
Water Management Providing a Sustainable Water Supply Desalinization Two methods: 1) Distillation 2) Reverse osmosis Salt impermeable membrane Salt water Fresh water Pressure salt H2O
Water Conservation Reducing Agricultural Water Waste Drip or trickle irrigation
Water Conservation Reducing Agricultural Water Waste Reducing Water Waste in Industry Reducing Municipal Water Waste Recycling water Xeriscaping