Water Supply, Use & Management

Water

To understand water, we must understand its characteristics, and roles:

Water has a high capacity to absorb and store heat. Water is the universal solvent. Water has a high surface tension. Water is the only compound whose solid form is lighter

than its liquid form. Sunlight penetrates water to variable depths,

permitting photosynthetic organisms to live below the surface.

A Brief Global Perspective

We are facing a growing global water shortage linked to the food supply.

Global hydrologic cycle Transfers water from the atmosphere, to

land, to oceans and back to atmosphere 97% in oceans 2% in ice Only 0.001% in atmosphere

Video on Water Cycle: Water Cycle

A Brief Global Perspective

At Earth’s surface water can be found in liquid, solid or gaseous form. Residence time varies from a few days to

thousands of years

Amount of water for which all people, animals and plants compete is < 1% Industrial production increases water use Mass of water used 1000x total production of

minerals

Groundwater and Streams

Groundwater refers to the water below the water table Where saturated conditions exist Locations where surface waters move into

the ground are recharge zones Places where it flows or seeps out are

discharge zones (points) Area where water seeps through pore

spaces known as vadose zone

Groundwater and Streams

Aquifer is an underground zone from which groundwater can be obtained When water is pumped from an aquifer

forms a cone of depression

Aquifer Depletion Video: Aquifer Depletion

Streams

Effluent stream Flow is maintained during the dry season by seepage Perennial stream

Influent stream Entirely above the water table and flows only in direct

response to precipitation Ephemeral stream

A given stream can have reaches that are both or intermittent at varying times of year.

Interactions Between Surface Water and Groundwater

Should be considered part of the same resource.

Nearly all surface water environments have linkages w/ ground water E.g. withdrawal of groundwater can lower

stream flow or lake levels Pollution can spread from one source to

the other

Water Supply: A U.S. Example

Water supply at any point on the land surface depends on several factors in the hydrologic cycle,

including the rates of precipitation, evaporation, transpiration

stream flow subsurface flow

Water budget A model that balances the inputs, outputs, and storage of

water in a system. Precipitation - evaporation = runoff

Water Supply: A US Example

Amount of water vapor passing over the US every day ~ 152,000 million m3

10% falls as precipitation (66% of which is evaporated or transpired)

Only 34% enters surface or groundwater

In developing water budgets for water resources management it is useful to consider annual precipitation and runoff patterns. Potential problems can be predicted in areas

where average runoff and precipitation low Total storage of runoff not possible because of

evaporative losses

Precipitation and Runoff Patterns

Droughts

Because there are large annual and regional variations in stream flow, even areas with high precipitation and runoff may suffer from droughts.

Groundwater Use and Problems

½ the people in the United States use groundwater as a primary source of drinking water 20% of water used In many parts of the country withdrawal

from wells exceeds natural inflow Overdraft Nonrenewable resource Problems include damage to river basins

and land subsidence

Desalination as a Water Source

Seawater is 3.5% salt

Desalination- a technology to remove salt from water Must be reduces to 0.05% to be fresh water Requires large amount of energy, tied to fuel

prices Has place value- price increases quickly with

transport distance Discharge may affect local salinity

Desalination Video: Desalination

Water Use

Off-stream use Refers to water removed from its source

for use May be returned to source after use Or consumptive use-water enters tissues,

product or evaporates during use and not returned

Water Use

In-stream use The use of the river for navigation,

hydroelectric power, fish and wildlife habitats, and recreation.

Multiple uses can create controversy

Water Use

Another problem with off stream use is how much water can be removed w/o damaging the stream ecosystem. E.g. Aral Sea

Diverting water for agriculture caused sea to dry up

Surface area of sea reduces 90% in 50 years

Aral Sea Video: Aral Sea

Aral Sea

Salt content of the water has increased

Dust storms from dry salt flats

Climate changes Winters colder, summers warmer Loss of fishing and decline of tourism

Transport of Water

Ancient civilizations constructed canals and aqueducts to transport water From distant river to where it is needed

In modern civilization water moved from areas of abundant rain and snow fall to areas of high usage E.g. California moves water from north to south E.g. New York City has had to obtain water

from farther and farther away

Some Trends in Water Use

Withdrawal of surface water far exceeds withdrawal of groundwater

Since 1980 use has decreased and leveled off Suggests improvement in water

management and conservation

Some Trends in Water Use1. The major uses of water are for irrigation and the

thermoelectric industry.2. Water use for irrigation increased from 1950-

1980. It decreased and leveled off from 1985-2000 due to better irrigation efficiency, crop type and

higher energy costs.3. Water use by thermoelectric industry decreased

slightly in 1980, and stabilized in 1985. due to reticulating water for cooling

4. Water for public and rural supplies continued to increase through the period from 1950 to 2000 presumably related to the increase in human

population.

Water Conservation

The careful use and protection of water resources Involves the quantity of water used and

the quality Important component of sustainable water

use Expected that a number innovations will

reduce the total withdrawals

Agricultural Use

Improved irrigation could reduce agricultural withdrawals by 20 to 30% Tremendous savings because ag is the biggest user

Suggestions for conservation: Price agricultural water to encourage conservation Use lined or covered canals that reduce seepage

and evaporation. Use computer monitoring and schedule release of

water for maximum efficiency. Integrate the use of surface water and groundwater

to more effectively use the total resource.

Agricultural Use

Irrigate at times when evaporation is minimal, such as at night or in the early morning.

Use improved irrigation systems, such as sprinklers or drip irrigation, that more effectively apply water to crops.

Improve the soil to increase infiltration and minimize runoff.

Encourage the development of crops that require less water or are more salt tolerant.

Domestic Use

Accounts for about 10% of total national water withdrawals But concentrated in urban areas May pose major local problems

Domestic Use Water use can be substantially reduced by:

In semiarid regions, replace lawns with decorative gravels and native plants. Use more efficient bathroom fixtures. Turn off water when not absolutely needed. Flush the toilet only when really necessary. Fix all leaks quickly. Purchase dishwashers and washing machines that minimize water

consumption. Take a long bath rather than a long shower. Sweep sidewalks and driveways. Using gray water to water vegetation. Water lawns and plants at cool times to reduce evaporation. Use drip irrigation and place water-holding mulch around garden plants. Plant drought-resistant vegetation. Learn how to read the water meter to monitor for unobserved leaks and

record your conservation successes. Use reclaimed water

Industry and Manufacturing Use

Water conservation measures that can be taken by industry: Using cooling towers that use little or no

water In-plant water treatment and recycling

Sustainability and Water Management

From a water supply use and management perspective, sustainable water use defined as: use of water resources by people in a way

that allows society to develop and flourish into an indefinite future

without degrading the various components of the hydrologic cycle or the ecological systems that depend on it

Sustainable Water Use

General criteria: Develop water resources in sufficient

volume to maintain human health and well-being.

Provide sufficient water resources to guarantee the health and maintenance of ecosystems.

Ensure minimum standards of water quality for the various users of water resources.

Sustainable Water Use

Ensure that actions of humans do not damage or reduce long-term renewability of water resources.

Promote the use of water-efficient technology and practice.

Gradually eliminate water pricing policies that subsidize the inefficient use of water.

Groundwater Sustainability

Sustainability involves a long term perspective For groundwater even longer Effects of pumping might not be seen

immediately Long-term approach involves balancing

withdrawal with recharge

Water Management Management of water resources is a complex issue

that will become more difficult as demand for water increases in the coming years. Especially in areas like the Southwestern US and

other semi arid regions

Options for minimizing potential problems: Alternating water supplies and managing existing

supplies better Towing icebergs As price goes up many innovative programs are

possible.

Variable-water-source approach

A Master Plan for Water Management

New management philosophy is that surface water and groundwater are both subject to natural flux with time. In wet years, there is plenty of surface water, and the

near-surface groundwater resources are replenished. During dry years, specific plans to supply water on an

emergency basis must be in place and ready to use.

Advanced planning may include Drilling to wells that are presently isolated Reuse of waste water Develop surface water and use groundwater in dry years In wet years pump excess surface water underground to

recharge groundwater

Water Management and the Environment

Often a good deal of controversy surrounds water development Dams, canals, wetlands modification Resolution of development involves input

from a variety of government and public groups

Wetlands Wetlands is a

comprehensive term for landforms such as salt marshes, swamps, bogs, prairie potholes, and vernal pools. Common feature

is that they are wet at least part of the year

Have a particular type of vegetation and soil

Wetlands Wetlands - defined

as areas that are inundated by water or where the land is saturated to a depth of a few cm for at least a few days per year.

Three major components used to determine the presence of wetlands are: Hydrology Type of

vegetation Type of soil

Natural Service Functions of Wetlands

Freshwater wetlands are a natural sponge for water. Reducing flooding

Many freshwater wetlands are important as areas of groundwater recharge or discharge.

Wetlands are one of the primary nursery grounds for fish, shellfish, aquatic birds, and other animals.

Wetlands are natural filters that help purify water.

Wetlands are often highly productive and are places where many nutrients and chemicals are naturally cycled.

Coastal wetlands provide a buffer for inland areas from storms and high waves.

Wetlands are an important storage site for organic carbon.

Wetlands Freshwater

wetlands are threatened in many areas. Over the past 200

years > 50% of all wetlands have disappeared, 90% of freshwater wetlands

Diked, drained or filled

SF bay estuary considered the most modified by human activity

Restoration of Wetlands

Number of projects have attempted to restore wetlands. In freshwater marshes recovery linked to availability of

water Salt marshes more complex EPA of 1969 states if wetlands destroyed by

development must be replaced elsewhere

Constructing wetlands to clean up agricultural waste Natural ability to remove excess nutrients, break down

pollutants, and cleanse water In Florida, human-made wetlands designed to intercept

and hold nutrients so they don’t damage the Everglades.

Dams and the Environment Dams and their accompanying reservoirs generally are

designed to be multifunctional structures. Used for recreational activities Generating electricity Providing flood control Ensuring a more stable water supply

The environmental effects of dams include the following: Loss of land, cultural resources, and biological resources in

the reservoir area Larger, dams and reservoirs produce a potential serious

flood hazard should they fail Storage behind the dam of sediment that would otherwise

move downstream to coastal areas

Dams and the Environment Downstream

changes in hydrology and in sediment transport that change the entire river environment and the organisms that live there.

Fragmentation of ecosystems above and below a dam.

Restrict movement upstream and downstream or organic material, nutrients and aquatic organisms.

Canals

Water from upstream reservoirs may be routed downstream by way of natural water ways or canals and aqueducts. Not hydrologically the same as creeks Smooth, steep banks; water moves fast Canals can spread and carry disease

schistosomiasis

Removal of Dams Recent dam removals include

Edwards Dam in Maine Marmot Dam in Oregon After removal both river saw return of fish as they migrated upstream

Large fish runs transport nutrients upriver from ocean to forest ecosystems.

Trapped sediment behind dams must be dealt with in dam removal. If released quickly it could damage downstream ecosystem and fill

pools Slower release minimizes damage Matilija Dam in Ventura County cost $300,000 to build but 10 times

that to remove.

Removing dams is simple in concept but involves complex problems relating to sediment and water.

Channelization and the Environment

Channelization of streams consists of straightening, deepening, widening, clearing, or lining existing stream channels. Engineering technique that has been used to control floods,

improve drainage, control erosion, and improve navigation

Adverse environmental effects, including the following: Degradation of the stream’s hydrologic qualities

nearly all riffle flow, resulting in loss of important fish habitats Removal of vegetation along the watercourse, which

removes wildlife habitats and shading of the water Downstream flooding where the channelized flow ends Damage or loss of wetlands

The Colorado River: Water Resources Management and the Environment

The history of the Colorado River emphasizes linkages among physical, biological, and social systems that are at the heart of environmental science. Major river of the

southwestern US Ends in the Gulf

of California

The Colorado River For its size has a modest flow but is one of the most

regulated and controversial bodies of water in the world. Total flow was apportioned among various users in 1922 No water allowed for environmental purposes Water rarely flows into the Gulf, all stored and used

upstream. Damaged delta

Two largest reservoirs- Hoover Dam and Glen Canyon Dam Stored about 80% of total in the basin Represents a buffer of several years water supply Changing hydrology of the river changed other aspects

Rapids, sediment load, and vegetation

The Colorado River

Record snowmelt in the Rocky Mountains in 1983 forced the release of water from Glen Canyon Dam Three times normal but similar to spring floods before

the dam was built Beneficial to the river, highlighted the importance of

floods in maintaining a natural state

As an experiment “flood” waters released in 1996 Two weeks at full flood As a result 55 new sandbars formed and 75% of existing

sandbars increased in size, rejuvenated marshes and backwaters

Hailed a success; hoped that what was learned can help restore other river impacted by dams