Southern California Water Issues Introduction Water Basics Hydrologic

Southern California Water Issues

Introduction Water Basics

Hydrologic Cycle

The Hydrologic Cycle § The Three Fates of Precipitation – – – Infiltration Runoff Evapotranspiration

The Hydrologic Cycle § Infiltration capacity of the soil is controlled by: – – – Intensity and duration of rainfall Soil saturation Soil texture Slope of the land Nature of the vegetative cover

Who Does What With Water § Federal Level – USGS – measures water resources – EPA – Pollution control and enforcement § State Level – Department of Water Resources § County Level – Department of Public Works – County Sanitation Districts

Who Does What With Water § City Level – – LA Department of Water and Power Metropolitan Water Districts - 128 cities Local water companies Local sewage companies

The Use Of Water § Agriculture - by far the greatest user – Uses 83% of state water – Great waste here

The Use of Water § Residential 14. 5% of state water – Some examples of water use at home § § § Full bathtub - 36 gallons Shower - 25 gallons per 4 minutes Wash dishes - 30 gallons Flush toilet - 7 gallons Sprinkle lawn - 10 gal/minute, usually 1500 gallons Brushing teeth with water running - 10 - 40 gallons

The Use of Water § Fish and Wildlife – 2% of state water § Power Plant Cooling – 0. 1% of state water

Water Quality - Nation Wide § Legislation and Enforcement – Major Legislation - Federal § § § Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act) of 1948 Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970 Water Pollution Control Act 1972 Toxic Substance Control Act 1976 Clean Water Act 1977 Clean Air Act of 1990

Water Quality - Nation Wide § Legislation and Enforcement – EPA requires that states establish and enforce water quality standards § Standards in California are established by the State Dept of Water Resources

Water Quality - Nation Wide § Acid Rain – Acid rain has become an international problem § US - Canada § England – Norway

Water Quality - Nation Wide – Acid rain appears to be killing lakes, streams, forests, and people § Acid rain may kill 50, 000 people per year in the US (LA Times 1/1982)

Water Quality - Nation Wide – Acid rain is caused by: § CO 2 from cars and power plants § NOx from cars § SO 2 from power plants

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