The Hydrosphere and Us BPS 2015

Our Good Health Depends Upon…  Monitoring of the hydrosphere  Water quality standards  Methods of water treatment  Maintaining safe water quality  Stewardship

Hydrology Hydrology is the study of water – the occurrence, distribution, movement, and properties of the waters of the earth and their relationship to the environment. Hydrologists apply their scientific and mathematical knowledge to solve water – related problems in society: problems of quantity, quality, and availability.

Why Monitor the Hydrosphere? To characterize waters and identify changes or trends in water quality over time. To identify specific existing or emerging water quality problems To gather information to design specific pollution prevention or remediation programs To respond to emergencies

Water Quality Standards Water quality standards are the foundation of the water quality-based control program mandated by the Clean Water Act. Water Quality Standards define the goals for a water body by designating its uses, setting criteria to protect those uses, and establishing provisions to protect water quality from pollutants. A water quality standard consists of four basic elements: designated uses of the water body (e.g., recreation, water supply, aquatic life, agriculture), designated uses of the water body (e.g., recreation, water supply, aquatic life, agriculture), water quality criteria to protect designated uses (numeric pollutant concentrations and narrative requirements), water quality criteria to protect designated uses (numeric pollutant concentrations and narrative requirements), antidegradation policy to maintain and protect existing uses and high quality waters, and antidegradation policy to maintain and protect existing uses and high quality waters, and general policies addressing implementation issues (e.g., low flows, variances, mixing zones). general policies addressing implementation issues (e.g., low flows, variances, mixing zones).

Methods of Water Treatment

Water Treatment

Maintain Safe Water Quality

Stewardship Throughout history, stewards were responsible for managing or looking after the property of other people. Stewardship of the hydrosphere involves protecting and conserving water resources. Stewardship begins with you. Your health depends on good water quality.