Chapter 13: Water Resources
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Section 1: Will We Have Enough Usable Water?
Concept 13-1A: We are using available freshwater unsustainably by wasting it, polluting it, and underpricing this irreplaceable natural resource. Concept 13-1B: Freshwater supplies are not evenly distributed, and one of every six people on the planet does not have adequate access to clean water. Section 2: Is Groundwater a Sustainable Resource?
Concept 13-2: Groundwater used to supply cities and grow food is being pumped from aquifers in some areas faster than it is renewed by precipitation. Section 3: Can Surface Water Resources Be Expanded?
Concept 13-3: Large dam-and-reservoir systems have greatly expanded water supplies in some areas, but have also disrupted ecosystems and displaced people. |
Section 4: Can Water Transfer Be Used to Expand Water Supplies?
Concept 13-4: Transferring water from one place to another has greatly increased water supplies in some areas but has also disrupted ecosystems. Section 5: Is Desalination a Useful Way to Expand Water Supplies?
Concept 13-5: We can convert salty ocean water to freshwater, but the cost is high, and the resulting salty brine must be disposed of without harming aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems. Section 6: How Can We Use Freshwater More Sustainably?
Concept 13-6: We can use freshwater more sustainably by cutting water waste, raising water prices, slowing population growth, and protecting aquifers, forests, and other ecosystems the store and release freshwater. Section 7: How Can We Reduce the Threat of Flooding?
Concept 13-7: We can lessen the threat of flooding by protecting wetlands and natural vegetation in watersheds, and by not building in areas subject to frequent flooding. |
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