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SHORTAGES
What is
freshwater?
Freshwater is defined as having a
low salt concentration usually less
than 1%.
It is a naturally occurring water on
Earths surface in ice sheets, ice
caps, glaciers, icebergs, bogs,
ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams.
What is groundwater?
Groundwater is water located
beneath the earths surface in soil
pore spaces and in the fractures of
rock formation.
Importance of
Cause of Groundwater
Depletion
Lowering of the Water Table
Excessive pumping can lower the groundwater
t able, and cause wells to no longer able to reach
the groundwater.
Increased Cost
As the water table lowers, the water must be
pumped farther to reach the surface, using more
energy.
Reduced Surface Water Supplies
Groundwater and surface water are connected.
When
groundwater is overused, the lakes,
streams, and rivers connected to groundwater can
also have their supply diminished.
Land Subsidence
Land subsidence occurs when there is a
loss of support below ground.
Water Quality Concerns
Excessive pumping in coastal areas can
cause saltwater to move inland and
upward, resulting in saltwater
contamination of the water supply.
Water Pollution
Water pollution is the contamination of the
bodies of water. It occurs when pollutants are
directly or indirectly into water bodies without
adequate treatment to remove harmful
compounds.
Water contamination
Water contaminationis the term used to
describe
hazardous materials of any kind
that are polluting a source of water.
GROUND WATER
CONTAMINATION
SOURCES OF GROUNDWATER
CONTAMINATION
Natural Resources
Some substances found naturally in rocks or
soils can
become dissolved in ground water.
Other naturally occurring substances, such as
decaying organic matter, can move in ground
water as particles.
Septic Systems
One of the main causes of ground water
contamination is the effluent (outflow) from septic
tanks, cesspools, and privies.
Improper Disposal of Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste should always be disposed of
properly, that is to say, by a licensed hazardous
waste handler or through municipal hazardous
waste collection days.
Water Scarcity
Water scarcity can be defined as a condition in
which people lack sufficient water or else do not
have access to safe water supplies.