"Water resources are natural resources of water that are potentially useful for humans..."
The practice of managing water resources for ecological, economic, and social benefits.
Hydrology: The study of water movement, distribution, and quality in the natural environment, including the water cycle, precipitation, evaporation, and water storage.
Watershed management: The management of watersheds, which are land areas that drain into a common water body.
Water conservation: The practice of using water efficiently to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Irrigation management: The management of water resources used for the application of water to crops and trees.
Water law and policy: The legal and regulatory framework governing water resources management.
Water quality management: The identification, assessment, and control of water pollutants to ensure the safety of human consumption.
Riparian zone management: The management of areas adjacent to rivers and other water bodies, including the conservation of vegetation, fish and wildlife habitats, and natural streamflow regimes.
Groundwater management: The management of underground water resources, their replenishment, and the control of their withdrawal.
Stormwater management: The management of rainwater runoff in urban and suburban areas, including flood control and pollution prevention strategies.
Water treatment and distribution: The management of water treatment plants, infrastructure, and distribution systems to provide clean water to consumers.
Climate change and water management: The study of how climate change affects water resources, and the development of adaptive strategies in response to these changes.
Water reuse and recycling: The practice of treating wastewater for reuse in irrigating crops, landscaping, and other industrial uses.
Ecosystem services: The benefits provided by healthy and diverse ecosystems, including the provision of clean water, flood control, and habitat for fish and wildlife.
Water monitoring and data analysis: The collection and analysis of water data to support effective water management decisions.
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM): An approach that aims to manage water resources in a coordinated and holistic manner, balancing competing demands for water and ensuring sustainability over the long term.
Surface water management: This involves the management of water resources found on the surface, like lakes, rivers, and streams, in order to achieve environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Groundwater management: This involves the management of water resources found beneath the ground in aquifers. It aims to ensure that groundwater resources are used sustainably, to avoid depletion or contamination.
Watershed management: This involves the management of an entire watershed or catchment area, including all the land that drains into a river, lake, or other water body. It is aimed at maintaining water quality and quantity for the benefit of all users within the watershed.
Agricultural water management: This involves the management of water resources for agricultural production. It includes practices like irrigation management, crop selection, and soil conservation to optimize water use efficiency and prevent soil erosion.
Urban water management: This involves the management of water resources in urban environments, including urban runoff, stormwater management, and water supply management for urban areas.
Industrial water management: This involves the management of water resources in industrial processes, including water treatment, reuse, and recycling to help reduce the amount of water used in the manufacturing process.
Water conservation: This involves the use of water-saving techniques to reduce water consumption, like low-flow showerheads, water-efficient appliances, and drought-tolerant landscaping.
Water quality management: This involves the management of water resources to ensure that water is safe for human consumption and use. It includes practices like water treatment, monitoring, and source protection.
Ecosystem-based water management: This involves the management of water resources to protect and enhance ecosystem services, such as by protecting wetlands, riparian areas, and other natural habitats that provide benefits like flood control, water purification, and habitat for wildlife.
Integrated water management: This involves the coordination and management of multiple types of water resources, including surface water, groundwater, and rainfall, to optimize water use efficiency and ensure sustainable management of resources for all users.
"97% of the water on Earth is salt water..."
"...only three percent is fresh water..."
"...slightly over two-thirds of this is frozen in glaciers and polar ice caps."
"Natural sources of fresh water include surface water, under river flow, groundwater and frozen water."
"Artificial sources of fresh water can include treated wastewater (wastewater reuse) and desalinated seawater."
"Human uses of water resources include agricultural, industrial, household, recreational, and environmental activities."
"Water resources are under threat from water scarcity, water pollution, water conflict, and climate change."
"Fresh water is a renewable resource..."
"...with depletion occurring most prominently in Asia, South America, and North America..."
"...although it is still unclear how much natural renewal balances this usage..."
"...water pollution..."
"...mainly as groundwater..."
"...only a small fraction present above ground or in the air."
"...surface water, under river flow, groundwater and frozen water."
"Human uses of water resources include agricultural, industrial, household, recreational, and environmental activities."
"...depletion occurring most prominently in Asia, South America, and North America..."
"...whether ecosystems are threatened."
"...slightly over two-thirds of this is frozen in glaciers and polar ice caps."
"...the world's supply of groundwater is steadily decreasing..."