Human Impact on the Hydrosphere Water All humans

Human Impact on the Hydrosphere

Water § All humans depend on water § Bathing, drinking, cooking, washing, etc. § Water is not evenly distributed, some areas have less water than needed

Population § Over the last century § Human population has increased 3 x § Global water withdrawal has increased 7 x § About one-sixth of the world’s people don’t have easy access to safe water

Dams § A dam is a structure that is built across a river or stream that restricts the flow of water § Creates a reservoir behind the dam § Used for: Drinking, Irrigation, Electricity § Dams can destroy ecosystems however

Groundwater Pollution § Groundwater pollution can be caused by: § Leaking chemical storage barrels § Landfills § Fertilizers § Sewage from septic systems § This can contaminate wells and a communities drinking water

Salt Water Intrusion § Salt water intrusion is the movement of saline water into a freshwater aquifer § When water is pumped from coastal wells a path is created for the salt water to flow to the aquifer § Can also occur due to storm surge from a hurricane § Estuary Degradation-Sediments from erosion due to deforestation enter estuaries and impact water quality

Arsenic Contamination § Arsenic is a poisonous element that is sometimes dissolved inside of groundwater § Caused by Tube wells. Water wells that drill down to the water table. Are lined with arsenic

Coastal Water § Near shore regions are easily affected by pollution § 50% of the US population lives near a city § Pollutants from cities can end up in the oceans § Oil spills are also a potential hazard due to oil tankers in the Gulf of Mexico. § Death of organisms § Economic impact § Gulf Oil Spill 2009

Water Conservation § Ways to save water: § Use low flow toilets/showers § Water purification plans § Use garden hose nozzels