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