OCR Text |
Show Phreatophyte - A plant species which extends its roots to the saturated zone under shallow water table conditions and transpires groundwater. These plants are high water users and include such species as tamarisk, greasewood, willows and cattails. Recharge - Water added to the groundwater reservoir or the process of adding water to the groundwater reservoir. Commonly occurs by infiltration of surface water into subsurface storage from precipitation, streamflow or irrigation. Recoverable Reserves - The amount of water which could be reasonably recovered from the groundwater reservoir with existing technology. Safe Yield - In general, it indicates the amount of water which can be withdrawn from an aquifer on a long- term basis without serious quality, environmental or social consequences, or seriously depleting the reservoir. Total Water in Storage - A volume of water derived by estimating the total volume of saturated aquifer and multiplying by the porosity ( intergranular space containing water). A. 2.4 Other Water Terms Some water terms are peculiar to the water industry. These are briefly defined in order to better understand the information presented. Call - The ability to order a quantity or flow of water at a given time and for a given period of time. Carriage Water - Water needed for hydraulic operation of a delivery system. Drinking Water - Water used or available for use as a culinary supply. The quality is typically the highest available in the locality. Export Water - A man- made diversion of water from a river system or basin other than by the natural outflow of streams, rivers and groundwater. This is sometimes called a transbasin diversion. Instream Flow - Water flow maintained in a stream for the preservation and propagation of habitat and for aesthetic values. Non- Point Source Pollution - Pollution discharged over a wide land area, not from one specific location. These are forms of diffuse pollution caused by sediment, nutrients etc. carried to lakes and streams by surface runoff. Open Water Areas - Includes lakes, ponds, reservoirs, streams and other areas completely or partially inundated. Point Source Pollution - Pollutants discharged from any identifiable point, including pipes, ditches, channels and containers. Potable - Water suitable for drinking or cooking purposes from both health and aesthetic considerations. The terms culinary and potable are often used interchangeably. Reuse - The reclamation of water diverted from a wastewater conveyance system. The reuse can be either direct or indirect and may or may not be treated to bring it to acceptable standards. This water is recovered from municipal and industrial discharges. Irrigation runoff and hydroelectric power generation return flows are not included. Riparian Areas - Land areas adjacent to rivers, streams, springs, bogs, lakes and ponds. They are ecosystems composed of plant and animal species highly dependent on water. Watershed - The total area of land above a given point on a waterway that contributes runoff water to the flow at that point; a drainage basin or a major subdivision of a drainage basin. Wetlands - Areas where vegetation is associated with open water and wet and/ or high water table conditions. Water Yield - Runoff from precipitation that reaches water courses and therefore may be available for use. A- 4 |