ABSTRACT:

There has been much written about the need for a new paradigm in hydrology. This paper suggests that the new paradigm has been staring us in the face for the past 50 years, and it is really just a matter of recognizing it. It is the paradigm of quantification, and its combination with an adherence to the scientific method. Keywords: hydrology, paradigm, quantification, science, hydrologic research model, water cycle, weather, climate change, hydrologic modeling, statistical analysis, progress in science.

ABSTRACT:

There are myriad different ways in which human activities impact our water supply and quality. One harmful practice that we are more accustomed to hearing about is our excessive consumption of water. One of the human activities that use the most amount of water is agriculture. It is estimated that 70% of freshwater around the world is used for agriculture. Water is used for a variety of processes in agriculture, such as irrigation, crop cooling and frost control. Closer to home, toilet flushing uses the most water in our households. Research done by the United States Environmental Protection Agency found that flushing a toilet uses 3 to 7 gallons of water. As we can observe, water is constantly being withdrawn to meet our urban needs.

ABSTRACT:

Hydrology is, simply put, the study of water. This shouldn’t be too surprising to the reader, as “hydro” comes from the Greek word for water. For a more complex definition, try the one provided by the US Geological Survey, a part of the Department of the Interior: “the science that encompasses the occurrence, distribution, movement and properties of the waters of the earth and their relationship with the environment within each phase of the hydrologic cycle”.

Water is one of the most crucial elements necessary for the sustenance of life. At its most basic level, water is required for human beings to survive. If you’re reading this, you’re probably lucky enough to have access to clean drinking water. Unfortunately, nearly 830,00 people die each year because they don’t have access to safe, treated drinking water.

ABSTRACT:

Singapore: A sovereign island city-state in maritime Southeast Asia, not only has it managed its port well, it has total control over its waterways and water usage. Plagued initially by drought, floods and water pollution, the innovative and resourceful nation has since developed a robust system of water collection, storage and usage. The supply comes from four different sources: water from local catchments or reservoirs, imported water (from reservoirs built in Malaysia), NEWater (high-grade reclaimed and sewage water) and desalinated water. Their knowledge, technology and infrastructure for water desalination — which is the collection of seawater and turning it into potable water — is highly sought after in countries with water shortage issues, especially in the Middle East. Two thirds of the country's surface area are classified as partly protected catchment areas with restrictions on land use, so that rainwater can be collected. Singapore's total water loss a year amounts to less than 5 percent of its total water supply. This includes leaks, metering errors and other minor forms of water loss.

ABSTRACT:

The past century has been a massive breakthrough for humanity both technologically and socially. The advancements that have taken place in that period have heavily contributed to making modern life simpler, easier, and more sustainable. However, with great power comes great responsibility. As we continue to evolve, our reliance on natural resources keeps increasing. Unfortunately, there only is a finite amount of these resources to tend to our infinite demands, so smart resource management is crucial for our longevity as a species.

ABSTRACT:

Groundwater is one of the most important reserves of water available on this planet. It can account for about one-third of the water consumed by humans and is the main source of water used in irrigation and food production. However, groundwater is also one of the more easily contaminated sources of water due to human activities. Groundwater contamination can lead to poor quality of drinking water, degraded surface water systems, loss of a viable water supply, and even health problems.

ABSTRACT:

When we think about how human activities are affecting the earth, the consequences that come to mind often fall under global warming, such as increasing temperatures and higher rates of natural disasters. However, a detrimental result of human activities that is often overlooked is the rapid rate in which water is being used up. One reason for this for many of us who live in developed countries, water is easily accessible. Seeing water everywhere might also make us think that there is an ample supply of water on earth. It is important to be aware of the difference between water that exists on earth and the water that can be used. With this knowledge, we can better understand that the current water supply is facing a great risk and we need to actively conserve our resources.

ABSTRACT:

According to the Center for Disease Control, almost 900 million people do not have access to clean drinking water. Additionally, over 2 billion people are living with drinking water sources contaminated by waste. Water is one of the major components of our body, so the consequences of unsafe drinking water are devastating in many parts of the world.

ABSTRACT:

We have been told that drinking water is healthy for us, but how exactly? For the most part, an adult human body is about 60% water. Every cell, tissue, and organ in our body relies on water to function properly and keep our body going.