Definitions Flashcards
Aquifer
A layer of rock capable of storing significant quantities of water.
Blue water
Fresh surface water and groundwater. For example: Lakes, Rivers and aquifers.
Catchment
Also called a river basin or drainage basin.
The area drained by a river and its tributaries.
Conventional rainfall
Rainfall that occurs as warm, moist air rises and cool forming clouds.
Desalination
The removal of salts from seawater or other salty solutions.
Environmental flow
The amount of water that must flow in a river to maintain healthy, nature ecosystem.
Green water
Water temporarily stored in or on the soil, or on vegetation.
Grey water
Water from domestic activities for example: laundry, dishwashing and bathing.
Groundwater
Water beneath the earth held in pores or tiny spaces of sand, soil or rock.
Irrigation
Watering crops by artificial means
Run off
The movement of surface water down slopes.
Sanitation
Infrastructure that collects and disposes of sewage. (Human waste)
Water cycle
Water circulates between the earths oceans, atmosphere and land.
Water footprint
The total volume of fresh water used by an individual, household, business, community or country
Water scarcity
When the demand for water is greater than the amount available.