ENV100Y5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Drip Irrigation, Surface Runoff, Nutrient Pollution
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ENV100Y5 Full Course Notes
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Document Summary
To harness fresh water for human purposes --> achieved impressive engineering accomplishments. Estimated 60% of the world"s largest rivers have been affected by artificial dams, canals, and diversions. Diversions: the rerouting of water from its natural river channel or drainage basin by means of built structure. We are using too much water --> depleting many sources of surface water and ground water. Consumptive use: when we remove water from an aquifer or surface water body and do not return it. Nonconsumptive use: does not remove, or only temporarily removes, water from the aquifer or surface water body. Using water to generate electricity at hydroelectric dams because the water is taken, passed through dam machinery to turn turbines, and released downstream. Diverstion of surface water can have unintended impacts. Diversion can have unintended consequences, particularly in downstream areas. We have erected thousands of dams, dikese, and levees. Channelization: artificial, engineered modifications of rivers channels.
