WaterWater Chapter 15 Chapter 15

“A frog does not drink up the pond in which he lives.”

-Native American Proverb

Key HKey H220 Characteristics0 Characteristics

Water: Water: Is the prime constituent of all Is the prime constituent of all

living organisms.living organisms. Moves easily-from one physical Moves easily-from one physical

state to another & one place to state to another & one place to another.another.

SlowlySlowly absorbs and releases absorbs and releases large quantities of energy (heat.)large quantities of energy (heat.)

Is a superior solvent.Is a superior solvent. Is cohesive due to its polarityIs cohesive due to its polarity Blocks UV radiationBlocks UV radiation

Importance of Water PropertiesImportance of Water Properties

Lack of access to Lack of access to clean water clean water supplies can supplies can quickly lead to quickly lead to dehydration and dehydration and death.death.

Running water can Running water can quickly erode topsoil quickly erode topsoil rendering farmland rendering farmland infertile and streams infertile and streams contaminated.contaminated.

Chemical spills, Chemical spills, excess nutrients & excess nutrients & acids dissolved in acids dissolved in HH220 can lead to 0 can lead to

massive die offs.massive die offs.

Available WaterAvailable Water 326 million cubic miles326 million cubic miles

97.4% oceans97.4% oceans 2.6% fresh2.6% fresh 2% locked up in ice caps and glaciers2% locked up in ice caps and glaciers 0.014% is easily accessible 0.014% is easily accessible

• Soil moistureSoil moisture• Groundwater that is not too salty or Groundwater that is not too salty or

deep to use.deep to use.• Water vaporWater vapor• Lakes/streamsLakes/streams• BiotaBiota

Each human body contains 10 gallons Each human body contains 10 gallons of water (X 6.3 billion?)of water (X 6.3 billion?)

Total Water PictureTotal Water Picture

Hydrologic CycleHydrologic Cycle Powered by solar energy and gravity Powered by solar energy and gravity Continuous recycling of waterContinuous recycling of water

Temporary storage as snow, ice, and in lakes Temporary storage as snow, ice, and in lakes Temporary storage in plants (Temporary storage in plants (transpirationtranspiration) and animals ) and animals Chemical reactions with rocks and minerals Chemical reactions with rocks and minerals Source of additional water? volcanism (steam) Source of additional water? volcanism (steam)

Surface WaterSurface Water Surface runoff flows into streams, lakes, Surface runoff flows into streams, lakes,

wetlands and reservoirswetlands and reservoirs WatershedWatershed (drainage basin)- region that (drainage basin)- region that

drains into a streams, lakes, wetlands or drains into a streams, lakes, wetlands or reservoirsreservoirs

www.canaanvi.org/assistance/ watershed.asp

GroundwaterGroundwater Precipitation infiltrates and Precipitation infiltrates and percolatespercolates through voids through voids

in soil and rock (pores, fractures, etc.)in soil and rock (pores, fractures, etc.) Shallow rock has little moistureShallow rock has little moisture Zone of saturationZone of saturation is at a depth were ground is filled with is at a depth were ground is filled with

water water • Top of this zone is Top of this zone is water tablewater table

Falls in dry weatherFalls in dry weather Rises in wet Rises in wet

The Groundwater SystemThe Groundwater System AquifersAquifers-porous, water-saturated layers of sand, -porous, water-saturated layers of sand,

gravel or bedrock through which groundwater flowsgravel or bedrock through which groundwater flows Area of land that supplies water to aquifer is called the Area of land that supplies water to aquifer is called the

recharge arearecharge area Natural recharge is when water percolates downward, but Natural recharge is when water percolates downward, but

sometimes sometimes lateral rechargelateral recharge occurs occurs

Moves in from recharge area, through aquifer, and Moves in from recharge area, through aquifer, and out a discharge area (well, spring, lake, geyser, out a discharge area (well, spring, lake, geyser, artesian well, steam, ocean) at only a m/yr.artesian well, steam, ocean) at only a m/yr.

AquifersAquifers Unconfined aquiferUnconfined aquifer -water -water

table that raises and lowers.table that raises and lowers. Confined aquiferConfined aquifer-under -under

pressure because bounded pressure because bounded above and below by less above and below by less permeable beds of rock. permeable beds of rock.

Some aquifers get little Some aquifers get little recharge and were formed recharge and were formed 1000s of yrs ago1000s of yrs ago

Removal from these Removal from these nonrenewable resources isnonrenewable resources iscalled called water miningwater mining

Water and CivilizationWater and Civilization Water management played a major role in the development of Water management played a major role in the development of

early government.early government. In Mesopotamia the Fertile Crescent (Tigris and Euphrates In Mesopotamia the Fertile Crescent (Tigris and Euphrates

Rivers), allowed the rise of irrigation-based agriculture.Rivers), allowed the rise of irrigation-based agriculture. Ancient communities that prospered were those that Ancient communities that prospered were those that managed their water supplies well.managed their water supplies well.

Michael D. Lee Ph.D. Geography and Environmental Studies

Water Use Water Use Globally Globally Total water withdrawn for Total water withdrawn for

human use annually:human use annually: 70% soaked up by agriculture 70% soaked up by agriculture

(mostly for irrigation)(mostly for irrigation) 20% for industry 20% for industry 10% for domestic use (household, 10% for domestic use (household,

drinking water, sanitation)drinking water, sanitation) The average person needs a The average person needs a

minimum of 5L (1.3 gallons) of minimum of 5L (1.3 gallons) of water/day to survive.water/day to survive.

The minimum needed for The minimum needed for drinking, cooking, bathing and drinking, cooking, bathing and sanitation is 50 liters (13 gal).sanitation is 50 liters (13 gal). 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Irrigation

Industry

Domestic

Water Use Water Use GloballyGlobally

The average person in the The average person in the U.S. uses 250-300 L/day of U.S. uses 250-300 L/day of water (water (65-78 gals65-78 gals) for ) for drinking, cooking bathing, drinking, cooking bathing, and watering their yard. and watering their yard.

The average person in the The average person in the Netherlands uses 104L/day Netherlands uses 104L/day ((27 gals).27 gals).

The average person in the The average person in the African nation of Gambia African nation of Gambia uses 4.5L/day (uses 4.5L/day (1.2 gals1.2 gals).). 0

50

100

150

200

250

UnitedStates

Netherlands

Gambia

Water Use - Water Use - United StatesUnited States In 2000, about 408,000 million gallons/day (Mgal/d) of In 2000, about 408,000 million gallons/day (Mgal/d) of

water were used.water were used. 339,000 Mgal/d fresh water 339,000 Mgal/d fresh water 69,400 Mgal/d was saline water69,400 Mgal/d was saline water

CA used the most water, about 46,800 Mgal/d, with most CA used the most water, about 46,800 Mgal/d, with most of that going towards irrigation. TX comes in 2of that going towards irrigation. TX comes in 2ndnd. .

Water for PowerWater for Power Moving water also has Moving water also has

tremendous power to do work.tremendous power to do work.• Due to water wheels, European Due to water wheels, European

societies in the middle ages societies in the middle ages advanced because labor was advanced because labor was freed for purposes other than freed for purposes other than farming.farming.

• Hydropower systems were built Hydropower systems were built after the discovery of electricity after the discovery of electricity and later electric light by Edison and later electric light by Edison

Water is intimately linked to Water is intimately linked to energyenergy

• It takes energy to access, move, It takes energy to access, move, and clean waterand clean water

• It takes water to make energyIt takes water to make energy

Too Little WaterToo Little Water Can causeCan cause

DroughtDrought - a period in which precipitation is much lower and - a period in which precipitation is much lower and evaporation is much higherevaporation is much higher

DesiccationDesiccation - drying of soil because of such activities as - drying of soil because of such activities as deforestation and overgrazingdeforestation and overgrazing

Water stressWater stress - low per capita availability of water caused by - low per capita availability of water caused by overpopulationoverpopulation

Precipitation Varies GreatlyPrecipitation Varies Greatly• US cities vary in their precipitation from an average of 8” up to US cities vary in their precipitation from an average of 8” up to

60”/year.60”/year.• Globally, the extreme is even greater – averages of less than 1” Globally, the extreme is even greater – averages of less than 1”

to more than 70”/year.to more than 70”/year.• However, this masks variations between years.However, this masks variations between years.• Meeting demands for water when precipitation is so highly Meeting demands for water when precipitation is so highly

varied creates many challenges and disputes.varied creates many challenges and disputes.

Case Study: U.S. Recent EventsCase Study: U.S. Recent Events According to the author of According to the author of Unquenchable:Unquenchable:

Atlanta, GA came within 3 months of running out of Atlanta, GA came within 3 months of running out of municipal water for their town.municipal water for their town.

2007 Orme, TN was forced to truck in water from AL after it 2007 Orme, TN was forced to truck in water from AL after it did run out.did run out.

The Earth’s largest freshwater body, Lake Superior, was too The Earth’s largest freshwater body, Lake Superior, was too shallow to float fully loaded cargo ships.shallow to float fully loaded cargo ships.

2008 Decimated salmon runs prompted total cancellation of 2008 Decimated salmon runs prompted total cancellation of the commercial fishing season on the west coast.the commercial fishing season on the west coast.

Etc……Etc…… What happens when our population grows?What happens when our population grows?

Water LawWater Law In the U.S., many states allow In the U.S., many states allow

unregulated drilling of residential unregulated drilling of residential wells and unmetered use of the wells and unmetered use of the water water

Don’t require permits for Don’t require permits for commercial wells unless pumping commercial wells unless pumping exceeds 100,000 gal/day!exceeds 100,000 gal/day!

Tragedy of the CommonsTragedy of the Commons More than 35 states in the U.S. are More than 35 states in the U.S. are

involved in a legal battle with their involved in a legal battle with their neighboring states concerning neighboring states concerning water rights.water rights.

Water LawWater Law Riparian RightsRiparian Rights (Sharing) (Sharing)

Applies to surface waters in Applies to surface waters in which owner of waterfront land which owner of waterfront land uses “reasonable amounts.”uses “reasonable amounts.”

Works well with water surplusWorks well with water surplus Prior AppropriationPrior Appropriation (1st come, (1st come,

first served)first served) Idea first put into law in U.S. in Idea first put into law in U.S. in

ColoradoColorado No preference given to those No preference given to those

adjoining water courseadjoining water course Earliest users in area has rightsEarliest users in area has rights Use protected as long as it is Use protected as long as it is

continuous and “reasonable”continuous and “reasonable”

Case Study: Chinook SalmonCase Study: Chinook Salmon The Klamath River provides Oregon farmers with water before The Klamath River provides Oregon farmers with water before

the river flows wild for 200 miles in CA to the Pacific.the river flows wild for 200 miles in CA to the Pacific. These diversions eventually decimated Coho salmon runs These diversions eventually decimated Coho salmon runs

protected by the ESA.protected by the ESA. 2001 the fed withheld water from 1,000 of the farmers.2001 the fed withheld water from 1,000 of the farmers. Farmers rioted Farmers rioted 2002 the Bureau of 2002 the Bureau of

Reclamation restored the Reclamation restored the water.water.

60,000+ salmon died from 60,000+ salmon died from disease caused by warmer, disease caused by warmer, shallow water…the largest shallow water…the largest fish die-off in American fish die-off in American historyhistory

Result: 2010 the world’s Result: 2010 the world’s largest dam removal and largest dam removal and river restoration plan. river restoration plan.

Klamath fish kill videoKlamath fish kill video

Water LawWater Law Correlative RightsCorrelative Rights

Applies to groundwaterApplies to groundwater Overlying landowners entitled to “reasonable” use. Overlying landowners entitled to “reasonable” use.

Rights are correlated with other landowners overlying Rights are correlated with other landowners overlying the aquiferthe aquifer

The The California DoctrineCalifornia Doctrine 1928 amendment to California Constitution1928 amendment to California Constitution ““Most reasonable beneficial use”Most reasonable beneficial use” Blend of riparian and appropriation rightsBlend of riparian and appropriation rights

How to Increase Water SuppliesHow to Increase Water Supplies

Build dams and reservoirs to store runoffBuild dams and reservoirs to store runoff Bring in surface water from another areaBring in surface water from another area Withdraw groundwaterWithdraw groundwater Convert salt water to fresh water Convert salt water to fresh water

(desalination)(desalination) Improve the efficiency of water useImprove the efficiency of water use

Case Study: Dams on the Colorado Case Study: Dams on the Colorado RiverRiver

Electricity and cheap water for Electricity and cheap water for agriculture, industry, and cities agriculture, industry, and cities but cheap water has led to but cheap water has led to wasteful practiceswasteful practices

Limited water must be divided Limited water must be divided between farmers, ranchers, between farmers, ranchers, cities, Native Americans, MX, cities, Native Americans, MX, and wildlife, so Colorado River and wildlife, so Colorado River rarely makes it to the Gulf of rarely makes it to the Gulf of CaliforniaCalifornia

Population growth in lower basin Population growth in lower basin is increasing demand beyond the is increasing demand beyond the allocated supply allocated supply

Most water withdrawn by AZ Most water withdrawn by AZ before it reaches CAbefore it reaches CA

Large Dams - ProsLarge Dams - Pros Collect and store water Collect and store water

from rain and snowfrom rain and snow Produce electricityProduce electricity Irrigate land below the Irrigate land below the

damdam Control flooding Control flooding Provide water to cities, Provide water to cities,

towns and rural areastowns and rural areas Provide recreational Provide recreational

activities such as activities such as swimming, boating, swimming, boating, fishingfishing

Large Dams - ConsLarge Dams - Cons Enormous water loss due to Enormous water loss due to

evaporation from reservoirevaporation from reservoir Mass of water can cause Mass of water can cause

earthquakesearthquakes Flooded land destroys forests Flooded land destroys forests

or cropland and displaces or cropland and displaces peoplepeople

Dam collapseDam collapse Downstream areas deprived of Downstream areas deprived of

nutrient-rich soil, which will nutrient-rich soil, which will eventually clog the reservoireventually clog the reservoir

Migration and spawning of fish Migration and spawning of fish disrupteddisrupted

$$ to build$$ to build

Case Study: Three Gorges DamCase Study: Three Gorges Dam World's largest hydroelectric dam on World's largest hydroelectric dam on

the Yangtze River in China—7600 ft the Yangtze River in China—7600 ft long. long.

1.5 million people displaced1.5 million people displaced Sits on a seismic faultSits on a seismic fault The reservoir contains 9 cubic miles The reservoir contains 9 cubic miles

of water and covers an area of 410 of water and covers an area of 410 miles in length and 0.7 miles in width miles in length and 0.7 miles in width on average.on average.

Upstream of Dams - Negative Upstream of Dams - Negative Impacts Impacts

EnvironmentEnvironment Loss of terrestrial/riparian habitat and speciesLoss of terrestrial/riparian habitat and species Exotic species introductionsExotic species introductions Reservoir is storage for contaminants Reservoir is storage for contaminants

Cultural / socialCultural / social Loss of cultural resourcesLoss of cultural resources Displacement of families Displacement of families Water quality hazardWater quality hazard

EconomicEconomic Shift in land use / economyShift in land use / economy Water loss via evaporation and seepageWater loss via evaporation and seepage

AestheticAesthetic Landscape inundatedLandscape inundated

Downstream of Dams- Negative Downstream of Dams- Negative ImpactsImpacts

Altered hydrology - no seasonality Altered hydrology - no seasonality because water temp and levels because water temp and levels downstream are more consistentdownstream are more consistent

Altered water quality/characterAltered water quality/character Modify nutrient cyclingModify nutrient cycling Reduce sediment supplyReduce sediment supply Habitat modification and species impactsHabitat modification and species impacts River fragmentationRiver fragmentation Due to negative impacts and cost of Due to negative impacts and cost of

refurbishment, more dams are currently refurbishment, more dams are currently being decommissioned than built in the being decommissioned than built in the U.S.U.S.

Water Transfer and DiversionWater Transfer and Diversion Transfer and diversion of Transfer and diversion of

massive amounts of water was massive amounts of water was first coordinated by Roman first coordinated by Roman aqueductsaqueducts

This method allows for more This method allows for more arid regions to get water from arid regions to get water from areas where availability is areas where availability is greatergreater

Great Lakes’ supply was not Great Lakes’ supply was not even safeeven safe Great Lakes Basin Compact Great Lakes Basin Compact

signed into law to protect them signed into law to protect them from detrimental diversionfrom detrimental diversion

8 states and 2 Canadian 8 states and 2 Canadian provinces adjoining Lakes provinces adjoining Lakes

Water Transfer and DiversionWater Transfer and Diversion Problems?Problems?

Many canals are only ditches Many canals are only ditches in the soilin the soil• Seepage lossSeepage loss• Constant sediment buildupConstant sediment buildup• Evaporative lossEvaporative loss

Old pipes can leak massive Old pipes can leak massive amounts of wateramounts of water

Areas upstream pollute Areas upstream pollute water and divert it away water and divert it away from those downstream.from those downstream.

Tremendous global disputes Tremendous global disputes over water “rights”over water “rights”

Case Study: All American CanalCase Study: All American Canal An 83 long mile aqueduct that creates power and An 83 long mile aqueduct that creates power and

conveys water from the Colorado River to Imperial conveys water from the Colorado River to Imperial Valley, CAValley, CA This is the only water that is available to this highly This is the only water that is available to this highly

agricultural and arid area in the Sonoran desert.agricultural and arid area in the Sonoran desert.

Case Study: All American CanalCase Study: All American Canal This canal has been dubbed This canal has been dubbed

the “Most Dangerous Body of the “Most Dangerous Body of Water in the U.S.” Water in the U.S.” Over 550 drownings since Over 550 drownings since

1997, mainly of illegal 1997, mainly of illegal immigrants trying to get from immigrants trying to get from Mexico.Mexico.

Current efforts are underway Current efforts are underway to line the canal.to line the canal. Mexico tried to dispute it Mexico tried to dispute it

claiming the seepage claiming the seepage contributes to their groundwater contributes to their groundwater supply.supply.

Most of the land in NV and Most of the land in NV and southern CA is desert southern CA is desert shrubland.shrubland.These areas receive little These areas receive little precipitation and have the precipitation and have the majority of CA’s population. majority of CA’s population. By contrast, wetter areas of By contrast, wetter areas of central and northern CA are central and northern CA are forested where mountainous forested where mountainous and developed as farmland and developed as farmland and urban areas where and urban areas where flatterflatter

Case Study: California’s WaterCase Study: California’s Water

Case Study: California’s WaterCase Study: California’s Water

California’s Water ProjectsCalifornia’s Water Projects Hetch-HetchyHetch-Hetchy Colorado AqueductColorado Aqueduct

California Water CodeCalifornia Water Code Applications by municipalities for use of water by Applications by municipalities for use of water by

residents given priority over most other uses.residents given priority over most other uses. Nonessential use, such as lawn watering and washing Nonessential use, such as lawn watering and washing

cars regulated in some areas.cars regulated in some areas.

Water Board determines allocation to serve public Water Board determines allocation to serve public interest. Board must work within state water plans.interest. Board must work within state water plans.

Second priority goes to irrigationSecond priority goes to irrigation

Hetch Hetchy:Hetch Hetchy:San Francisco WaterSan Francisco Water

Hetch Hetchy Glacial Valley in Hetch Hetchy Glacial Valley in Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park dammed by 1923. BIG dispute dammed by 1923. BIG dispute due to destruction of land. due to destruction of land. Raker Act passed in 1913 which Raker Act passed in 1913 which

put project in motion.put project in motion. This O’Shaughnessy Dam and the This O’Shaughnessy Dam and the

Hetch Hetchy reservoir provides Hetch Hetchy reservoir provides water and cheap power to the city water and cheap power to the city of San Francisco and others.of San Francisco and others.

Controversy helped to strengthen Controversy helped to strengthen John Muir’s Sierra Club.John Muir’s Sierra Club.

Colorado River AqueductColorado River Aqueduct

Established 1928 to bring water to L.A. and rest of Established 1928 to bring water to L.A. and rest of S. California.S. California. First delivery in 1940; serves 15 million peopleFirst delivery in 1940; serves 15 million people Lawsuit from AZ (1953) finally began to be Lawsuit from AZ (1953) finally began to be

implemented in 1985 - supply will decrease and this implemented in 1985 - supply will decrease and this amt will be replaced by State Water Project water.amt will be replaced by State Water Project water.

Five pumping stationsFive pumping stations Diversions for agricultureDiversions for agriculture

Summary of California Water Summary of California Water SystemsSystems

Very complicated.Very complicated. Politically controversial - dams, Politically controversial - dams,

habitat changes, reduced habitat changes, reduced flushing of SF Bay Delta.flushing of SF Bay Delta.

California has the most California has the most advanced and expensive water advanced and expensive water delivery system in the world.delivery system in the world.

Most of the water (about 80%) is Most of the water (about 80%) is used by agriculture; essential to used by agriculture; essential to California’s huge farm industry.California’s huge farm industry.

Michael D. Lee Ph.D. Geography and Environmental Studies

Case Study: The Aral SeaCase Study: The Aral Sea In arid area of former In arid area of former

Soviet UnionSoviet Union Water diverted from the Water diverted from the

Aral Sea and the two Aral Sea and the two rivers supplying it.rivers supplying it.

Water used for irrigationWater used for irrigation Lost 80% of waterLost 80% of water Salinity increased over Salinity increased over

3X’s3X’s 20 out of 24 native fish 20 out of 24 native fish

species gonespecies gone Surface area decreased Surface area decreased

by 58%by 58%

Groundwater ProblemsGroundwater Problems 50% of the drinking water in U.S. pumped from aquifers50% of the drinking water in U.S. pumped from aquifers #1 removal of aquifer water is for irrigation #1 removal of aquifer water is for irrigation Aquifer depletionAquifer depletion -more water is removed than is -more water is removed than is

naturally refreshednaturally refreshed Aquifer subsidence-Aquifer subsidence- land sinks due to withdrawal of land sinks due to withdrawal of

groundwater (Mexico City)groundwater (Mexico City) Aquifer depletion video clipAquifer depletion video clip

Intrusion of salt water into aquifersIntrusion of salt water into aquifers Contamination from multiple sources Contamination from multiple sources

Case Study: Ogallala AquiferCase Study: Ogallala Aquifer

World’s largest aquiferWorld’s largest aquifer Deposited during the last ice Deposited during the last ice

ageage Aquifer use changed the Aquifer use changed the

center of the country from center of the country from arid high plains to productive arid high plains to productive agricultural regionagricultural region Region produces 1/5 of U.S Region produces 1/5 of U.S

agricultural outputagricultural output Overpumped and depleted in Overpumped and depleted in

many areasmany areas Pumped out 8-10x faster than Pumped out 8-10x faster than

it is being rechargedit is being recharged

Aquifer Subsidence Aquifer Subsidence

Mexico City’s aquifer has shrunken Mexico City’s aquifer has shrunken enough that land has dropped up to enough that land has dropped up to 7.5 m7.5 m

Same situation has occurred in Same situation has occurred in places all over the globeplaces all over the globe

http://www.geotimes.org/july01/sinking_titanic_city.html http://www.science.uwaterloo.ca/earth/waton/mexfig2.html

CaliforniaCalifornia

DesalinationDesalination Removal of salts from ocean water by Removal of salts from ocean water by

Distillation (boiling off water)Distillation (boiling off water) Reverse osmosis (pushing water through a semi-Reverse osmosis (pushing water through a semi-

permeable membrane)permeable membrane) 1st land-based desalination plant-1928 in the 1st land-based desalination plant-1928 in the

NetherlandsNetherlands

www.oas.org/usde/publications/ Unit/oea59e/ch21.htm

Largest plant in U.S. in Largest plant in U.S. in Tampa Bay, Fl Tampa Bay, Fl

Used a great deal in Used a great deal in the Middle East, which the Middle East, which has the most severe has the most severe freshwater shortage.freshwater shortage.

Especially prominent in Especially prominent in Saudi Arabia, where Saudi Arabia, where their production is 24% their production is 24% of the world’s total.of the world’s total.

DesalinationDesalination http://urila.tripod.com/

DesalinationDesalination $$$$ and energy for production$$$$ and energy for production Currently ~14,000 in world; ~2,000 in U.S. but those Currently ~14,000 in world; ~2,000 in U.S. but those

numbers are increasing steadilynumbers are increasing steadily About half of those in U.S. desalinate brackish water, About half of those in U.S. desalinate brackish water,

another quarter is desalinated river water another quarter is desalinated river water Easier/cheaper to do than ocean water.Easier/cheaper to do than ocean water.

DesalinationDesalination 100 gals of seawater, when 100 gals of seawater, when

desalinated, only results in desalinated, only results in anywhere between 15-50 gals anywhere between 15-50 gals of fresh, the rest is brine (very of fresh, the rest is brine (very concentrated saltwater).concentrated saltwater).

Brine is considered industrial Brine is considered industrial waste, but sometimes is waste, but sometimes is allowed to be dumped into the allowed to be dumped into the ocean and estuaries.ocean and estuaries. Plant effluent can have 2X the Plant effluent can have 2X the

concentration of normal concentration of normal seawater.seawater.

This could easily kill marine life, This could easily kill marine life, especially juveniles or eggs. especially juveniles or eggs.

Dehydrated salt brineDehydrated salt brinewaste from a desal waste from a desal plant in Sicily, Italyplant in Sicily, Italy

DesalinationDesalination ““Colocation” of both a powerplant and a desalination Colocation” of both a powerplant and a desalination

plant have been touted as idealplant have been touted as ideal Cooling water from the powerplant and the brine are Cooling water from the powerplant and the brine are

mixed before release into the ocean, reducing the mixed before release into the ocean, reducing the concentration of the brine. concentration of the brine.

Reducing Home Water WasteReducing Home Water Waste Repair leaky pipesRepair leaky pipes Recycling -use of gray water (i.e. from shower) for Recycling -use of gray water (i.e. from shower) for

irrigation etc.irrigation etc. Water conservation-efficient toilets, faucets, & shower Water conservation-efficient toilets, faucets, & shower

headsheads

Case Study: San AntonioCase Study: San Antonio To combat water shortages, San Antonio was To combat water shortages, San Antonio was

launched a massive toilet replacement programlaunched a massive toilet replacement program Toilets are the #1 cause of avoidable water wasteToilets are the #1 cause of avoidable water waste ““Kick the Can” toilet program gave residents 2 free, Kick the Can” toilet program gave residents 2 free,

efficient toilets for any they had that were older than efficient toilets for any they had that were older than 1992 (when 1.6 gal came into play)1992 (when 1.6 gal came into play)• 30,000 replaced in homes in 200730,000 replaced in homes in 2007• 60,000 replaced in apartments since 199860,000 replaced in apartments since 1998

Billions of gallons of water and over $500 million Billions of gallons of water and over $500 million saved.saved.

How’d they pay for it? A tiered water fee system.How’d they pay for it? A tiered water fee system.

Reducing Home Water WasteReducing Home Water Waste

Take shorter showers Take shorter showers Don’t run faucet when you brush Don’t run faucet when you brush

teeth.teeth. Don’t water lawn during hot times Don’t water lawn during hot times

of dayof day Use drought resistant plants Use drought resistant plants

around house- around house- xeriscapingxeriscaping Use a rain barrel and collect Use a rain barrel and collect

water for plants and gardening—water for plants and gardening—one inch of rain on a 1000 sq ft one inch of rain on a 1000 sq ft roof will deliver 600 gals of water!roof will deliver 600 gals of water!

Reducing Home Water WasteReducing Home Water Waste

Normally treated wastewater is Normally treated wastewater is released into nearby rivers, released into nearby rivers, streams or oceans.streams or oceans.

PotablePotable-safe for drinking-safe for drinking Non-potable reclamation Non-potable reclamation

involves taking water from involves taking water from different fixtures and reusing it different fixtures and reusing it before it goes to wastewater before it goes to wastewater treatmenttreatment

Used for purposes other than Used for purposes other than drinking, cooking or washing drinking, cooking or washing dishesdishes

Specific Uses for Non-potable Specific Uses for Non-potable Recycled WaterRecycled Water

Toilet flushingToilet flushing IndustryIndustry Recharge aquifersRecharge aquifers Subsurface drip irrigation Subsurface drip irrigation

Safer-non-aerosolizing of Safer-non-aerosolizing of water and pathogenswater and pathogens

Requires more maintenance-Requires more maintenance-more prone to cloggingmore prone to clogging

More efficientMore efficient• Less evaporative water Less evaporative water

lossloss• Feeds roots of plants/grass Feeds roots of plants/grass

directlydirectly

Direct Potable Water ReuseDirect Potable Water Reuse“Toilet to Tap”“Toilet to Tap”

TreatmentTreatment

WastewaterWastewaterDrinking WaterDrinking Water

Case Study: Windhoek, NamibiaCase Study: Windhoek, Namibia Direct Potable ReuseDirect Potable Reuse

““Pipe to pipe”-water from secondary Pipe to pipe”-water from secondary wastewater treatment goes directly wastewater treatment goes directly to distribution for drinkingto distribution for drinking

Been running since 1967Been running since 1967 Several barriers of treatmentSeveral barriers of treatment

Carbon AdsorptionCarbon Adsorption Ultraviolet IrradiationUltraviolet Irradiation Reverse Osmosis/Ultrafiltration and Reverse Osmosis/Ultrafiltration and

removal of viruses and removal of viruses and pharmaceuticalspharmaceuticals

Disinfection (ozonation and Disinfection (ozonation and chlorination)chlorination)

Reducing Agriculture Water WasteReducing Agriculture Water Waste Irrigation efficiency (only 40% reaches crops)Irrigation efficiency (only 40% reaches crops)

Drip irrigation, central–pivot, computer monitoringDrip irrigation, central–pivot, computer monitoring Replace canals with pipelineReplace canals with pipeline

Reduction in seepage lossesReduction in seepage losses Improvement of well head and on-farm water deliveryImprovement of well head and on-farm water delivery Better operation of distribution networkBetter operation of distribution network Reduction in maintenance costsReduction in maintenance costs

Too Much Water: FloodsToo Much Water: Floods

• Natural flooding is caused primarily by heavy rain Natural flooding is caused primarily by heavy rain or rapid melting snow. or rapid melting snow.

• Water overflows its normal channel & floods the Water overflows its normal channel & floods the adjacent area, called a floodplain.adjacent area, called a floodplain.

• Floodplains, which include highly productive Floodplains, which include highly productive wetlands, help to:wetlands, help to:—Provide natural flood & erosion controlProvide natural flood & erosion control—Maintain high water qualityMaintain high water quality—Recharge groundwaterRecharge groundwater

• Floodwaters recede leaving behind deposits of Floodwaters recede leaving behind deposits of nutrient rich siltnutrient rich silt..

People have been settling in floodplainsPeople have been settling in floodplainsfor several reasons:for several reasons:1.1. Fertile soilFertile soil2.2. Sufficient water for irrigationSufficient water for irrigation3.3. Flat land suitable for agriculture, Flat land suitable for agriculture,

buildings, and transportationbuildings, and transportation4.4. Use of nearby rivers for Use of nearby rivers for

transportationtransportationHowever, human activities haveHowever, human activities havecontributed to the sharp rise in floodcontributed to the sharp rise in floodfrequencies which dramaticallyfrequencies which dramaticallyincreased flood deaths & damages. increased flood deaths & damages.

Too Much Water: FloodsToo Much Water: Floods

FloodingFlooding Human activities that increase flooding:Human activities that increase flooding:

Removing vegetation-logging and forest firesRemoving vegetation-logging and forest fires OvergrazingOvergrazing MiningMining Building on floodplains and destroying wetlandsBuilding on floodplains and destroying wetlands Urbanization and pavement!Urbanization and pavement!