Surface water – Things to know about

Surface water refers to any water found on the Earth’s surface, such as in rivers, lakes, wetlands, oceans, and other bodies of water. 

It is the opposite of groundwater, which is water that is found below the Earth’s surface.

This is an important resource for human use, including drinking water, irrigation, industrial use, and recreation. 

However, it is also susceptible to pollution from human activities, such as industrial runoff, agricultural runoff, and sewage discharge.

Managing surface water resources is crucial for ensuring a sustainable supply of clean water for both human and ecological needs. 

This involves monitoring water quality, regulating water use, and implementing strategies to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems.

Surface water facts

According to the United Nations, globally, surface water accounts for around 22% of total freshwater withdrawals for human use, while groundwater accounts for around 78%. 

However, this ratio can vary widely by region and country, with some areas relying heavily on surface water for human use.

In many developed countries, this source of water is used extensively for public water supply, irrigation, and industry. 

For example, in the United States, surface water supplies about 66% of the public water supply and is used for irrigation on about 55 million acres of land. 

In developing countries, the use of surface water for human needs may be more limited, and access to clean water can be a significant challenge.

The ratio of surface water use to total human water use varies widely depending on location and local water availability. 

In some areas where groundwater is scarce or of poor quality, surface water may be the primary source of water for human use, while in other areas where groundwater is abundant and of good quality, surface water may play a smaller role.

Surface water reserves

Surface water reserves refer to the amount of water available in surface water bodies such as rivers, lakes, wetlands, and reservoirs. 

The availability of surface water reserves can vary depending on factors such as climate, rainfall patterns, and human activities.

Surface water reserves are an important source of fresh water for human use and for supporting aquatic ecosystems. 

However, the availability of surface water reserves can be affected by factors such as climate change, drought, and overuse. 

In many regions, surface water reserves are already stressed due to increasing demand and competition for water resources.

Effective management of surface water reserves involves monitoring water availability, ensuring equitable distribution of water resources, and implementing measures to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems. 

Strategies for managing surface water reserves may include reducing water consumption through water conservation practices, improving irrigation efficiency, and implementing regulations to limit pollution and protect water quality. 

Additionally, efforts to protect and restore natural wetlands and other waterways can help to increase the resilience of surface water reserves in the face of climate change and other challenges.

Using surface water

Surface water can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

Domestic use

Surface water can be treated and used as a source of drinking water for households.

Surface water can be used as a source of drinking water for households, but it must first be treated to ensure that it is safe for human consumption. 

The treatment process typically involves a combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and chemicals.

Once treated, surface water can be supplied to households through a piped water system, and can be used for various domestic purposes such as drinking, cooking, washing, and cleaning.

In some cases, households may also use untreated surface water for non-potable purposes such as watering plants or flushing toilets.

The use of surface water for domestic purposes can be subject to local regulations and guidelines to ensure that the water is safe for human consumption. 

Regular testing and monitoring of water quality are also important to ensure that the water remains safe over time. 

Additionally, households may take steps to conserve water and reduce their overall water use to help ensure the long-term sustainability of surface water resources.

Irrigation

Surface water can be used for irrigation in agriculture to grow crops.

Surface water can be an important source of irrigation water for agriculture. 

Irrigation is the process of applying water to crops to supplement rainfall and promote plant growth. 

Surface water can be used for irrigation in various ways, including flood irrigation, furrow irrigation, and sprinkler irrigation.

Flood irrigation involves the flooding of a field with surface water, which then slowly infiltrates into the soil and is absorbed by the plants. 

Furrow irrigation involves the creation of furrows or trenches along the rows of crops, and then allowing surface water to flow down the furrows to irrigate the crops. 

Sprinkler irrigation involves the use of sprinklers to apply water to crops in a controlled manner.

The use of surface water for irrigation can be subject to local regulations and guidelines to ensure that water is used efficiently and sustainably. 

Irrigation can also have environmental impacts, such as altering water flow patterns, degrading water quality, and affecting aquatic ecosystems. 

Therefore, proper management of surface water resources is important to ensure their sustainable use for irrigation purposes, while also minimizing negative environmental impacts. 

This can involve measures such as improving irrigation efficiency, reducing water waste, and implementing regulations to protect water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

Industrial use

Surface water can be used in various industrial processes, such as cooling or manufacturing.

Surface water can be used for various industrial purposes, such as cooling, processing, and manufacturing. 

Industrial facilities such as power plants, refineries, and factories often require large amounts of water to operate, and surface water can be a convenient and cost-effective source of water.

Industrial use of surface water typically involves withdrawing water from a surface water body, such as a river or lake, and then treating the water as needed for the specific industrial process. 

For example, water used for cooling may only need to be treated to remove solids and debris, while water used in manufacturing may require more extensive treatment to remove contaminants such as chemicals and heavy metals.

The use of surface water for industrial purposes can have environmental impacts, such as altering water flow patterns, reducing water availability for other users, and affecting aquatic ecosystems. 

Therefore, proper management and regulation of surface water resources is important to ensure that industrial use is sustainable and does not cause undue harm to the environment or other users of the water. 

This may involve measures such as implementing water conservation practices, reducing waste and pollution, and implementing regulations to protect water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

Hydroelectric power generation

Surface water can be used to generate hydroelectric power by running turbines.

Surface water can be used to generate hydroelectric power, which involves using the kinetic energy of flowing water to turn turbines and generate electricity. 

Hydroelectric power plants are typically located on rivers or other surface water bodies with a significant flow of water.

Hydroelectric power generation involves damming a river or other surface water body to create a reservoir, which then stores water that can be released as needed to generate electricity. 

As the water flows through the dam and over the turbines, it generates electricity that can be transmitted to the electrical grid for distribution.

The use of surface water for hydroelectric power generation can have environmental impacts, such as altering water flow patterns, affecting aquatic ecosystems, and altering the natural landscape. 

Therefore, proper management and regulation of hydroelectric power generation facilities are important to ensure that the environmental impacts are minimized and the benefits of the electricity generated are maximized. 

This may involve measures such as monitoring water quality, implementing fish passage systems to allow migratory fish to pass through the dam, and implementing measures to mitigate any negative environmental impacts.

Recreational use

Surface water provides opportunities for recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing.

Surface water can be used for a variety of recreational activities, such as swimming, boating, fishing, and camping. 

Many people enjoy spending time on and around lakes, rivers, and other surface water bodies for recreational purposes.

However, recreational use of surface water can also have environmental impacts, such as introducing pollutants or invasive species, causing erosion, and disturbing wildlife habitats. 

Therefore, it is important to manage and regulate the recreational use of surface water to ensure that it is sustainable and does not harm the environment.

Management of the recreational use of surface water can involve measures such as implementing regulations to protect water quality, restricting access to sensitive areas, and encouraging responsible recreational practices such as proper waste disposal and respecting wildlife habitats. 

Additionally, education and outreach efforts can help promote responsible recreational use of surface water and raise awareness about the importance of protecting these valuable resources for future generations.

Benefits of using surface water for domestic

There are several benefits of using surface water for domestic use, including:

Availability

Surface water is typically more abundant and accessible than groundwater, making it a more reliable source of water for domestic use.

Cost-effectiveness

Surface water is often less expensive to treat and distribute than groundwater, making it a more cost-effective option for domestic water supply.

Quality

Surface water is usually of higher quality than groundwater, as it is naturally filtered and aerated by the environment. This can reduce the need for extensive treatment before use.

Health benefits

Surface water can provide health benefits such as promoting physical activity through recreational activities such as swimming and boating.

Environmental benefits

The use of surface water for domestic purposes can reduce the demand for groundwater, which can help protect groundwater resources and associated ecosystems.

The disadvantages

While there are several benefits of using surface water for domestic use, there are also some potential disadvantages, including:

Contamination

Surface water can be more susceptible to contamination from pollutants, including agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial waste, which can pose health risks to humans and animals.

Water quality

Surface water quality can be impacted by natural events such as storms and floods, which can cause sediment, debris, and other contaminants to be washed into waterways.

Seasonal variability

Surface water availability can be highly seasonal, with flows and levels varying greatly depending on precipitation and other factors.

Treatment requirements

Surface water often requires more extensive treatment than groundwater to remove contaminants and ensure that it is safe for human consumption.

Climate change

Changes in climate patterns, such as droughts and floods, can impact surface water availability and quality, making it less reliable for domestic use.

Infrastructure requirements

To use surface water for domestic purposes, infrastructure such as dams, reservoirs, and treatment plants must be in place, which can be costly to build and maintain.

Proper management and regulation of surface water resources are important to ensure that the benefits of using surface water for domestic purposes are maximized and potential negative impacts are minimized. 

This may involve measures such as implementing water quality regulations, promoting sustainable use practices, and investing in infrastructure to ensure a reliable and safe water supply.

However, the suitability of surface water for these purposes can depend on factors such as water quality, availability, and local regulations. 

Surface water can be vulnerable to pollution from human activities such as agriculture, industry, and urban development, which can affect its suitability for different uses. 

Therefore, proper management and regulation of surface water resources is crucial to ensure their sustainable use for various human needs.

Surface water for drinking and household uses

Surface water can be used for drinking and household uses, but it typically requires treatment to remove impurities and ensure that it is safe for human consumption. 

Treatment may involve a combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes, such as screening, settling, filtration, disinfection, and pH adjustment.

Before using surface water for drinking and household purposes, it is important to ensure that it meets regulatory standards for water quality. 

This may involve regular testing for contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, chemicals, and heavy metals.

In addition to treatment and monitoring, it is important to manage and protect surface water resources to ensure their long-term sustainability and availability. 

This may involve measures such as controlling pollution and runoff, protecting sensitive areas such as wetlands and riparian zones, and promoting sustainable water use practices.

In many cases, using surface water for drinking and household purposes can provide several benefits, such as cost-effectiveness, availability, and higher quality compared to some other water sources. 

However, it is important to ensure that proper management and treatment practices are in place to protect public health and the environment.

The problems

sing surface water for drinking and household purposes can pose several potential problems or challenges, including:

Contamination

Surface water is often more susceptible to contamination from pollutants such as agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial waste, which can pose health risks to humans and animals.

Water quality

Surface water quality can be impacted by natural events such as storms and floods, which can cause sediment, debris, and other contaminants to be washed into waterways.

Treatment requirements

Surface water often requires more extensive treatment than groundwater to remove contaminants and ensure that it is safe for human consumption.

Seasonal variability

Surface water availability can be highly seasonal, with flows and levels varying greatly depending on precipitation and other factors.

Climate change

Changes in climate patterns, such as droughts and floods, can impact surface water availability and quality, making it less reliable for domestic use.

Infrastructure requirements

To use surface water for drinking and household purposes, infrastructure such as dams, reservoirs, and treatment plants must be in place, which can be costly to build and maintain.

Public perception

Some people may be hesitant to use surface water for drinking and household purposes due to concerns about contamination and perceived lower quality compared to other water sources.

To address these problems, proper management and regulation of surface water resources is important to ensure that the benefits of using surface water for drinking and household purposes are maximized and potential negative impacts are minimized. 

This may involve measures such as implementing water quality regulations, promoting sustainable use practices, and investing in infrastructure to ensure a reliable and safe water supply.

The solutions

Solutions that can help people use surface water safe for drinking and household purposes:

Proper treatment

Surface water must be treated before use to remove impurities and ensure that it is safe for human consumption. 

Treatment may involve a combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes, such as screening, settling, filtration, disinfection, and pH adjustment.

Monitoring

Regular monitoring of surface water quality is important to ensure that it meets regulatory standards and is safe for human consumption. 

This may involve testing for contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, chemicals, and heavy metals.

Protection and management

Protecting and managing surface water resources is crucial to ensuring their long-term sustainability and availability. 

This may involve measures such as controlling pollution and runoff, protecting sensitive areas such as wetlands and riparian zones, and promoting sustainable water use practices.

Climate change adaptation

Adapting to changes in climate patterns, such as droughts and floods, can help mitigate impacts on surface water availability and quality. 

This may involve measures such as water conservation, storage, and efficient use practices.

Infrastructure development

Investing in infrastructure such as dams, reservoirs, and treatment plants can help ensure a reliable and safe water supply. 

This may involve public-private partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms to make infrastructure more affordable and accessible.

Education and Awareness

Educating people about the benefits and risks of using surface water for drinking and household purposes can help improve public perception and promote safe and sustainable water use practices.

Implementing these solutions will require a coordinated effort among government agencies, communities, private sector actors, and other stakeholders to ensure that surface water resources are effectively managed and utilized for the benefit of all.

Conclusion

In conclusion, surface water is a vital resource that is widely used for domestic, irrigation, industrial, hydroelectric power generation, and recreational purposes. 

While surface water can provide many benefits, its use can also pose several challenges, including contamination, water quality issues, treatment requirements, seasonal variability, climate change impacts, and infrastructure needs. 

To address these challenges and ensure that people can use surface water safely, proper management and regulation of surface water resources are necessary. 

This may involve measures such as treatment, monitoring, protection and management, climate change adaptation, infrastructure development, and education and awareness. 

By taking these steps, surface water can continue to play an important role in meeting human needs while preserving the health and sustainability of our water resources.