Forms of Water Flashcards
What are the 4 main water types in Australia?
- Surface water
- Groundwater
- Desalinated seawater
- Recycled water
What is the definition of surface water?
Water on the Earth’s surface
What is are 2 examples of surface water?
Rivers
Lakes
What percentage of freshwater used is surface water?
80% of the freshwater that we use on Earth is surface water.
What are 3 positives about surface water?
- It gets replenished when it rains
- It’s cheaper than desalination
- It is usually easier to get to than groundwater
What are 2 negatives about using surface water?
- It usually needs to be treated before we can use it
- When a dam is built to hold the water in one place, it can cause floods and dry conditions
What is the definition of groundwater?
Water under the Earth’s surface
What are 3 positives about using groundwater?
- It is cheap and easy to get to some of it
- They can be dug close to where it is needed
- It is generally cleaner than surface water
What are 2 negatives about using groundwater?
- If something is contaminating the surface, it can sink into the groundwater
- Groundwater takes a long time to replenish
What is the definition of desalinated seawater?
To desalinate water means to take the salt out of it.
What are 2 positives about using desalinated seawater?
- Large amount of seawater
- Might be our only option
What are 2 negatives labout using desalinated seawater?
- Very expensive
- Over salted seawater might wreck the oceans
What is the definition of recycled water?
Recycled water is just wastewater that has been cleaned so we can reuse it.
What are 2 positives about susing recycled water?
- It is renewable
- It’s heaps better than not having water
What are 2 negatives about susing recycled water?
- The idea makes people feel sick
- If the government messes up people will end up very sick.
