Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
III. Introduction to Water
Resources and Contamination
INTRODUCTION
"Water is, in a sense, both artery and vein to
urban life."
ultimately may produce conflict between individuals
and countries.
—SCHNEIDER, RICKERT, AND SPIEKER, 1973
"It seems apparent that water will become much
more expensive in the future..."
SOURCES OF WATER
Fortunately the Earth's water cycles (it is a renewable
resource) through evaporation, precipitation, surface
runoff, and groundwater flow. We depend on our dis-
ruption of the hydrologic cycle (Figure III.l) to support
our society. With increasing population in the United
States and globally, we need increased efficiency of use,
improved adaptation to seasonality of precipitation and
runoff, options for responding to local climate changes
—KELLER, 2000
Lack of concern for some geological resources is fre-
quently based on faith in economics and an option of
substitution. Water is the one geological resource for
which there is no substitute. Shortages of high-quality
water degrade human health, reduce biological pro-
ductivity of a region, lower the quality of life, and
FIGURE lll.l
The Earth's hydrologic cycle. (See Question
1
for explanation of abbreviations.)
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