Science in Action Notes: Fresh & Saltwater Systems (4.0) | | Print | |
4.0 Human activities affect aquatic environments. Water is recycled around the world through the water cycle.
4.1 How Humans Use Water There are direct (domestic or personal use) and indirect (industrial and agricultural) ways that humans use water. Many indirect uses can have negative effects on Earth's water supply.
The Major Uses Of Water
Practices And Technologies Affect Water Quality
4.2 Measuring Impacts One way to help guard against problems with water quality is to monitor the water supply. To monitor means to observe, check, or keep track of something for a specific purpose Town and city water supplies have to be monitored on a regular basis to ensure that the quality of the water remains high.
Ongoing monitoring of a site helps scientists observe change. The information they gather is then interpreted and suggestions are made to help the ecosystem recover. This can be through regulations to limit human activities in this ecosystem or develop technologies, which can address the problem and protect the environment. The studies they undertake are long-term and all encompassing, so that as many of the interactions as possible that are affected, will be addressed. Problem Solving Needs More Than Science And Technology Problem solving requires a strong commitment from people. They need to decide what needs to be done and then commit themselves and others to get it done. In many cases the solutions will require money and a way to raise it so the solution can be implemented without delay. A Success Story
People Working Together Water systems everywhere need to be monitored and cleaned up if they are causing a problem. The solutions to many of the problems may already be available, or new technologies should be developed to address the concern. Most importantly people must work together to solve the problems, because our water supply is our life source and without it, we will all perish. |