Module 5 Flashcards
Introduction
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.
Sources of Fresh Water
- Atmospheric water (rainwater)
- Groundwater sources (aquifers, water tables)
- Surface water (lakes, rivers, ponds)
Major Issues in Water Resources Management
- Water Problems
- Water demand growing rapidly
- Agriculture use dominates
- Access to water supply varies
- Groundwater extraction rising
- Watershed management
as it is, due primarily to geographical and climatic factors, water scarcity now affects some 450 million people in 29 countries.
Water Problems
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.
Water demand growing rapidly
Agriculture accounts for 86% of water use, while industrial and domestic usage are limited to 7% each.
Agriculture use dominates
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.
Access to water supply varies
The present production of groundwater in the Philippines is estimated at about 2518 MCM per year.
Groundwater extraction rising
watershed comprise about 70% of the country’s total land area-covering 421 rivers basins, of which 18 are considered major.
Watershed management
Status of Coastal and Marine resources of the Philippines
- Coral reefs in poor condition
- Mangrove forest loss continues
- Valuable seagrass beds declining
- Fisheries production significance
The Philippines has one of the largest coral reef areas in the world, covering about 27 000 square kilometers.
Coral reefs in poor condition
In 1918, the country’s mangrove forests were estimated to be 5000 square kilometers.
Mangrove forest loss continues
The Country has the highest seagrass diversity in the world.
Valuable seagrass beds declining
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.
Fisheries production significance
Causes and Mechanisms of Water Resources Degradation
- Logging of Forest
- Kaingin (Slash-and-Burn) Farming
- Mining activities
- Transportation Routes
- Accidental Leaks or Spills of chemicals
- Cattle grazing, piggery, and poultry farming
- Pesticides and Fertilizers from Agricultural Lands
- Human Settlements and Sewage disposal systems
- Garbage open dumpsites and sanitary landfills
- Underground storage tanks
- Salinity Intrusion into Coastal Aquifers
- Recreation in Stream and Lake Areas
- River Quarrying for Gravel and Sand
Logging and the subsequent denudation of the forest cover increases surface runoff since there is less opportunity for rainwater to sink into the ground.
Logging of Forest
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.
Kaingin (Slash-and-Burn) Farming
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.
Mining activities
The most common water source degradation factor due to roads and vehicular movement is the production of sediments (dust or large particles).
Transportation Routes
accidental leaks or spills of large amounts of chemicals into the ground can either reach surface water sources or groundwater aquifers.
Accidental Leaks or Spills of chemicals
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.
Cattle grazing, piggery, and poultry farming
Pesticides and fertilizers from agricultural drainage can find way to surface waters and groundwaters.
Pesticides and Fertilizers from Agricultural Lands
generally, the presence of human settlements and human activities has potential and damaging impacts on water source areas.
Human Settlements and Sewage disposal systems
Municipal garbage may be disposed of in open dumpsites or landfills.
Garbage open dumpsites and sanitary landfills
undergrounds storage tanks made from metal or steel has been commonly used to store gasoline in the past.
Underground storage tanks
Excessive pumping of groundwater supplies near the coastal areas can lead to salinity intrusions into the groundwater aquifers.
Salinity Intrusion into Coastal Aquifers
Outdoor recreation, especially near centers of population or urban areas, can degrade water sources associated with such stream or lake areas.
Recreation in Stream and Lake Areas
Sand and Gravel is in demand as a construction material.
River Quarrying for Gravel and Sand
