Sources and Quality of Water

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Questions and Answers

What primary purpose do desalination plants serve in arid countries?

To convert seawater into potable water (correct)

To enhance groundwater recharge

To treat wastewater for agriculture

To manage stormwater runoff

Which conservation technique significantly reduces water usage at water outlets?

Flow restrictors (correct)

Aerators on faucets

Low-flow showers

Rainwater harvesting systems

How does a gray water system help with water conservation?

By diverting drinking water for irrigation

By increasing the flow rates of water appliances

By treating stormwater for residential use

By filtering and reusing wastewater for toilets (correct)

What is the typical water usage for flushing a toilet with modern water-saving designs?

1 to 1.5 gallons (3.8 to 5.7 L) Signup and view all the answers

What challenge regarding potable water is most pressing in arid and semiarid climates?

Increasing population and water demand Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of rainwater that runs off the surface of the ground?

Surface Water Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of soil or rock prevents water from seeping through, trapping groundwater?

Impervious Stratum Signup and view all the answers

What defines potable water?

Water that is safe for human consumption Signup and view all the answers

What is an aquifer?

A saturated permeable stratum that provides usable water Signup and view all the answers

What primarily contaminates surface water compared to groundwater?

Larger quantities of turbidity and bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used to destroy bacteria in water treatment?

Addition of chlorine Signup and view all the answers

How is surface water typically treated for safety?

By passing it through a filtration system Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major concerns associated with agricultural runoff?

Pesticides and herbicides Signup and view all the answers

Why is the availability of potable water important to the economy?

It supports efficient industrial operations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a cistern commonly used for?

Collecting surface water at buildings Signup and view all the answers

Which chemical can be used to remove the taste of chlorine after water treatment?

Sodium sulfite Signup and view all the answers

What happens during a long drought regarding surface water supply?

The flow of surface water may be significantly reduced. Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves removing saline from seawater?

Desalination Signup and view all the answers

What significant problem can result from excessive mineral concentrations in water?

Unsuitable water for industrial use Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is often found in seawater compared to freshwater?

Higher concentrations of dissolved chemicals Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of the presence of coliform organisms in water?

Possible contamination with human or animal wastes Signup and view all the answers

What factor most directly influences the depth of a shallow water table?

Seasonal rainfall patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of amoebiasis in travellers to developing countries?

Contaminated food and water Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT affect groundwater potability?

Depth of the water table Signup and view all the answers

Which parameter is an indicator of the biological quality of water?

Dissolved oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is generally needed to make groundwater potable?

Minimal treatment compared to surface water Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of removing water from an aquifer too quickly?

Groundwater depletion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about chemical parameters in water quality is NOT true?

Physical properties are only assessed visually Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the water table in the groundwater system?

It marks the boundary between saturated and unsaturated soil Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sources of Water

Surface Water: Rainwater runoff collected in streams, rivers, and lakes.
Groundwater: Water that percolates through porous soil and collects on impervious layers.
Aquifers: Saturated permeable layers (e.g., sands, gravels) that provide a usable supply of water.
Water Table: The level of groundwater, affected by rainfall and other factors.
Cisterns: Storage tanks for collecting rainwater, often used in buildings.
Seawater: Contains high concentrations of dissolved chemicals and microorganisms.

Water Quality Parameters

Potable Water: Clean water suitable for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Non-Potable Water: Water not suitable for drinking, cooking, or cleaning.
Chemical Quality: pH, hardness, chemical parameters, biocides, toxic chemicals, and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD).
Physical Quality: Color, taste, odor, temperature, turbidity, solids, and electrical conductivity.
Biological Quality: Presence of bacteria, viruses, protozoans, phytoplankton, zooplankton, insects, plants, and fish.

Water Testing and Impurities

Chemical Analysis: Measures parts per million (ppm) of dissolved chemicals in water.
Bacteriological Analysis: Determines the density of bacteria in water supply.
Coliform Organisms: Indicate potential contamination with human or animal waste.
Surface Water Impurities: Turbidity, bacteria, organic matter, and pollutants from runoff.
Groundwater Impurities: Dissolved minerals (calcium, iron, silica, etc.), gases (sulfide, sulfur dioxide, etc.).
Common Waterborne Infections: Amoebiasis, a type of gastroenteritis caused by a parasite.

Water Treatment Process

Flocculation and Precipitation: Using alum to remove suspended organic and mineral matter.
Chlorination: Destroying bacteria by adding chlorine.
Filtration: Removing suspended matter with filters.
Fluoridation: Adding fluoride to public water to reduce tooth decay.
Desalination: Removing salt from water (e.g., seawater) to make it potable.

Water Conservation

Flow Restrictors: Devices that reduce water flow from faucets and showers.
Water Saving Toilets: Toilets with reduced water consumption.
Gray Water Systems: Reuse of wastewater from baths, showers, and washing machines after filtering and chlorination.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental aspects of water sources, including surface water, groundwater, and aquifers, as well as key water quality parameters such as potability and chemical composition. Understanding these concepts is essential for assessing water suitability for various uses. Test your knowledge on both the origins and quality of water!