Water-readings

The conventional water resources

We use the term “water resource” to describe any natural source of freshwater that is, or can be used by humans. Surface waters such as lakes, rivers, wetlands, streams, etc. are the water resources we can immediately identify. Also the groundwater located below the earth’s surface at a depth varying from a few meters to several hundredths of meters is an important water resource. Groundwater often find its way out to the surface by spilling from natural springs, mainly in the mountains. Since the ancient times people have tried to access groundwater by digging wells, and recently boreholes. Rain and all types of precipitation are important water resources that enrich both surface and underground waters.

Stop and wonder

GROUP DISCUSSION

• Brainstorm with your classmates what the term “non-conventional water resources” might be.
• Where does this water come from?

To give you a hint these resources include man-made infrastructures for collecting and treating to produce freshwater.

Water-readings

The Non-Conventional Water Resources (NCWR)

Let’s see what the NCWR are:

• Rainwater harvesting: This is a century-old practice in many arid areas such as the Mediterranean islands and the coastal settlements.
• Greywater recycling: Water from the bathtub, the washbasin and the washing machine (this is “greywater”) after its proper treatment can be used, e.g. in flushing the toilets and watering the urban green.
• Wastewater recycling: Wastewater coming from households and other buildings (black water) can be treated and reused under certain conditions  i.e. in irrigation.
• Desalination of sea or brackish water: Though this method is relatively costly in terms of energy and has a high carbon footprint, it is indispensable for several dry islands and countries of the Mediterranean and beyond.

Nowadays, the non-conventional water resources are increasingly becoming an additional contributor to water availability.

GROUP Discussion

• Which of the above NCWR is possible to have in your school?
• Which of the above NCWR is possible to have in your home?

Group activity

Let’s discover the water resources of our area

1. Observe the geophysical map of your area (printed or e-form).
2. Pin on the map the water resources or man-made hydraulic works you would like to visit. Such water-spots can be: streams & river banks, springs, wetlands, reservoirs/dams, public taps and fountains, desalination plants etc.
3. Chart the path you will follow on the map and organize your field work. Don’t forget to fill in the worksheet.
4. What signs of human activities (if any) do you observe around the water-spots, e.g. are there any crops, handicrafts, factories, roads, hotels, etc.?
5. For each water resource that you identify, ask how its water is used. Do you detect any problem of pollution or depletion?
6. Take pictures of the water resources, the landscape, etc.
7. Back in class, work in groups to make your own “water map” presenting your findings.

Way forward

Dive in…

Climate change challenges if you want to do see how climate change affects water resources

The water cycle if you want to find out more about the hydrological cycle

Go back to the homepage!