Botkin Environmental Science Earth as Living Planet 8th txtbk

Further Reading 397
Science
and Values
Conflicts result from varying values related to water resources. We value
natural areas such as wetlands and free-running rivers, but we also want
water resources and protection from hazards such as flooding. As a result,
we must learn to align more effectively with nature to minimize natural
hazards, maintain a high-quality water resource, and provide the water
necessary for the ecosystems of our planet. The relatively high, controlled
releases of the Colorado River discussed in this chapter are examples of
new river-management practices that embody both scientific knowledge
and social values—in this case, scientific understanding of river processes
and the wish to sustain the Colorado as a vibrant, living river.
KEY TERMS
consumptive use 376
desalination 376
effluent stream 372
groundwater 372
influent stream 372
in-stream use 376
off-stream use 376
overdraft 375
sustainable water use 384
virtual water 386
water budget 373
water conservation 380
wetlands 387
STUDY QUESTIONS
1. If water is one of our most abundant resources, why
are we concerned about its availability in the future?
2. Which is more important from a national point of
view, conservation of water use in agriculture or in
urban areas? Why?
3. Distinguish between in-stream and off-stream uses of
water. Why is in-stream use controversial?
4. What are some important environmental problems
related to groundwater use?
5. How might your community better manage its water
resources?
6. Discuss how the concept of virtual water is related to
water conservation and management at the global level.
7. What are some of the major environmental impacts
associated with the construction of dams? How might
these be minimized?
8. What are the most important factors in planning to
remove a dam?
9. How can we reduce or eliminate the growing global
water shortage? Do you believe the shortage is related
to our food supply? Why? Why not?
10. Why is water such an important resource issue?
FURTHER READING
Gleick. P.H, Global freshwater resources: Soft-path solutions for
the 21st century, Science 302(2003):1524–1528.
Gleick, P.H., The World’s Water 2000–2001 (Washington, DC.:
Island Press, 2000).
Hoekstra, A.Y., and A.K. Chapagain, Globalization of Water
(Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, 2008).
James, W., and J. Neimczynowicz, eds., Water, Development
and the Environment (Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1992).
Covers problems with water supplies imposed by a growing
population, including urban runoff, pollution and water
quality, and management of water resources.
La Riviere, J.W.M. Threats to the world’s water, Scientific
American 261, no. 3 (1989): 80–84. Summary of water supply
and demand and threats to continued supply.
Spulber, N., and A. Sabbaghi, Economics of Water Resources:
From Regulation to Privatization (London: Kluwer Academic,
1994). Discussions of water supply and demand, pollution
and its ecological consequences, and water on the open
market.
Twort, A.C., F.M. Law, F.W.Crowley, and D.D.Ratnayaka,
Water Supply, 4th ed. (London: Edward Arnold, 1994).
Good coverage of water topics from basic hydrology
to water chemistry, and water use, management, and
treatment.
Wheeler, B.D., S.C. Shaw, W.J. Fojt, and R.A.Robertson,
Restoration of Temperate Wetlands (New York: Wiley, 1995).
Discussions of wetland restoration around the world.