The animations you've viewed in this lesson have provided an overview of how water moves through the real water cycle, as well as the parts of the cycle in which people treat and distribute water, and then collect wastewater to treat again. Now it’s time to learn more about threats to these cycles and how you can create a culture of water awareness.
Watch this video to find out more about threats to water systems and what you can do about it. As you watch the segment, you might want to check the definitions of specific terms. In addition to the glossary words listed above, the terms climate change and urbanization will be described. Stop the animation at any time, watch it again, or read the transcript.
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If you are human and live in modern society, chances are you use a lot
of water. With all the advances in our water system (urban) we’ve gotten used to the idea that water is an endless, on-demand, self-replenishing resource. But Earth’s water cycle (natural & manmade) is more fragile than we imagine.
Threats to our water supply are occurring at every part of the water cycle. Pollution makes water unsafe. Population increases lead to increase in demand (urban & agriculture) and increased sewage and wastewater. Urbanization (paving paradise/deforestation/destruction of wetlands) interrupts the flow back into the cycle. And climate change has drastically changed weather patterns – so that too much (hurricanes, floods) or not enough (drought) water enters our watersheds and causes all sorts of issues.
And even though decades of water-wasting culture has created the problems, we do have the power to fix them.
Creating a culture of water awareness is one step in the process. We can conserve water in our homes, and get smart about what we use water for (lawns, golf courses, etc).
And we can demand the same water-wise culture from our industries (use less, don’t pollute), cities (update systems, preserve/rebuild wetlands, etc) and communities. We can invent and develop new technologies to reduce, reuse, and recycle our water.
Updating the old systems and assumptions, and using water wisely, will make sure our future isn’t so fragile.
1. List 3 threats to the water supply.
2. List 3 things you can do to help create a culture of water awareness.
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