Module 5

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Water is a vital resource in the ecosystem as it is a major component in the development and survival of all living things. However, because of the continuing degradation of our environment, it is also the resources most threatened by pollution in terms of its potability and risks to human health.

Question 2

Sources of Fresh Water

Answer 2

1. Atmospheric water (rainwater)
2. Groundwater sources (aquifers, water tables)
3. Surface water (lakes, rivers, ponds)

Question 3

Major Issues in Water Resources Management

Answer 3

1. Water Problems
2. Water demand growing rapidly
3. Agriculture use dominates
4. Access to water supply varies
5. Groundwater extraction rising
6. Watershed management

Question 4

as it is, due primarily to geographical and climatic factors, water scarcity now affects some 450 million people in 29 countries.

Answer 4

Water Problems

Question 5

water demand nationwide is expected to grow from 43 000 million cubic meter (MCM) per year in 2000 to 88 400 MCM per year by 2005.

Answer 5

Water demand growing rapidly

Question 6

Agriculture accounts for 86% of water use, while industrial and domestic usage are limited to 7% each.

Answer 6

Agriculture use dominates

Question 7

One study reported that, as of 1995, 72% of all Filipinos were served by a public water system, with 68% in urban areas and 75% in rural areas.

Answer 7

Access to water supply varies

Question 8

The present production of groundwater in the Philippines is estimated at about 2518 MCM per year.

Answer 8

Groundwater extraction rising

Question 9

watershed comprise about 70% of the country’s total land area-covering 421 rivers basins, of which 18 are considered major.

Answer 9

Watershed management

Question 10

Status of Coastal and Marine resources of the Philippines

Answer 10

1. Coral reefs in poor condition
2. Mangrove forest loss continues
3. Valuable seagrass beds declining
4. Fisheries production significance

Question 11

The Philippines has one of the largest coral reef areas in the world, covering about 27 000 square kilometers.

Answer 11

Coral reefs in poor condition

Question 12

In 1918, the country’s mangrove forests were estimated to be 5000 square kilometers.

Answer 12

Mangrove forest loss continues

Question 13

The Country has the highest seagrass diversity in the world.

Answer 13

Valuable seagrass beds declining

Question 14

The country is thirteenth in the top fish producing countries, contributing 1.8 million metric tons of fish or 1.9% of the total world catch in 1996.

Answer 14

Fisheries production significance

Question 15

Causes and Mechanisms of Water Resources Degradation

Answer 15

1. Logging of Forest
2. Kaingin (Slash-and-Burn) Farming
3. Mining activities
4. Transportation Routes
5. Accidental Leaks or Spills of chemicals
6. Cattle grazing, piggery, and poultry farming
7. Pesticides and Fertilizers from Agricultural Lands
8. Human Settlements and Sewage disposal systems
9. Garbage open dumpsites and sanitary landfills
10. Underground storage tanks
11. Salinity Intrusion into Coastal Aquifers
12. Recreation in Stream and Lake Areas
13. River Quarrying for Gravel and Sand

Question 16

Logging and the subsequent denudation of the forest cover increases surface runoff since there is less opportunity for rainwater to sink into the ground.

Answer 16

Logging of Forest

Question 17

The Kaingin farming practice refers to burning and clearing (by slashing) of wild shrubs or trees to give way to crop farming in the upland forest area.

Answer 17

Kaingin (Slash-and-Burn) Farming

Question 18

mining involves the movement of large amounts of earth, soil or rocks; the release of acids, heavy metals or other chemicals being mined or incidentally mined; the use and handling of chemicals in the mining process.

Answer 18

Mining activities

Question 19

The most common water source degradation factor due to roads and vehicular movement is the production of sediments (dust or large particles).

Answer 19

Transportation Routes

Question 20

accidental leaks or spills of large amounts of chemicals into the ground can either reach surface water sources or groundwater aquifers.

Answer 20

Accidental Leaks or Spills of chemicals

Question 21

cattle grazing in particular, if not properly managed, can degrade the quality of water sources with the release of parasites and harmful bacteria from animal manure.

Answer 21

Cattle grazing, piggery, and poultry farming

Question 22

Pesticides and fertilizers from agricultural drainage can find way to surface waters and groundwaters.

Answer 22

Pesticides and Fertilizers from Agricultural Lands

Question 23

generally, the presence of human settlements and human activities has potential and damaging impacts on water source areas.

Answer 23

Human Settlements and Sewage disposal systems

Question 24

Municipal garbage may be disposed of in open dumpsites or landfills.

Answer 24

Garbage open dumpsites and sanitary landfills

Question 25

undergrounds storage tanks made from metal or steel has been commonly used to store gasoline in the past.

Answer 25

Underground storage tanks

Question 26

Excessive pumping of groundwater supplies near the coastal areas can lead to salinity intrusions into the groundwater aquifers.

Answer 26

Salinity Intrusion into Coastal Aquifers

Question 27

Outdoor recreation, especially near centers of population or urban areas, can degrade water sources associated with such stream or lake areas.

Answer 27

Recreation in Stream and Lake Areas

Question 28

Sand and Gravel is in demand as a construction material.

Answer 28

River Quarrying for Gravel and Sand