6.1 Water resources and usage
Freshwater availability
groundwater: precipitation that soaks into the ground
the top layer: water table
unconfined aquifers: water seeps into aquifers
confined aquifers: water seeps into confined aquifers, where the impermeable layer doesn't exist
freshwater use
problems caused by unsustainable water use
environmental: excessive withdrawl, water polluation
economy: threats to food and energy production
virtual water: not directly consumed but used to make other things
the freshwater supply is getting smaller due to climate change
groundwater and aquifer
we rely increasingly on aquifers
problems caused by overpumping aquifers
increasing poverty and civil unrest:
inequality
saltwater seeping
land subsidence
solutions to groundwater depletion
use water more efficiently
subsidize water conservation
limit number of wells
stop growing water-intensive crops in dry areas.
increase freshwater availability
dams are widespread
water transfers
communities in the areas from which the water is taken may not longer be able to stay in the area
a lot of water is lost through evaporation and leaks in the water-transfer system
ecosystems are degraded in areas from which the water is taken
desalinization: the process of removing salts from ocean water
high cost
chemical use
waste salt
freshwater sustainably
reduce water waste in industries and homes
irrigation: improving efficiency
improve efficiency in industry
stop water subsidies