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
3x
Global water withdrawal has increased 7x
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