Whether the water becomes "hazard" or "resource" depends on the way it is partitioned at the soil surface and in the soil profile. That is to say, it depends on the kind of soil, its use and management. Water resources may be destroyed or increased threefold, depending on how the soil is managed.However, while management of water at source is carried out largely by farmers and grazers in rural areas of catchments, the beneficiaries of their work live overwhelmingly in urban areas dowmstream.Sustainable management of water resources and mitigation of associated hazards requires:
Groundwater-Reservoir for a thirsty planet
Nearly all the potentially drinkable water on the earth exists as groundwater. New techniques of exploration and production have improved understanding of the dynamics. Natural water reservoirs are helping Earth scientists find this most precious of all commodities.
Water Cycle
Soils make up a key link and buffer system within the world's hydrological cycle. About 60% of fresh water is "green" water, held in the soil and available to plants. Soils also regulate streams and groundwater flows that support wetlands, irrigation, and domestic and industrial water supplies-sometimes thousands of miles downstream.
Water Contaminants and their Health Effects
Contaminants
Type of Contaminants
Health Effects
Alacglor
Herbicides/Organic
Cancer, affects nervous system
Asbestos
Inorganic
Cancer
Atrazine
Herbicides/Organic
Cancer
Benzene
VOC
Carcer, Leukemia and
Anaemia
Bromoform (TTHM)
Voc/THM
Affects nervous system and muscies
Carbofuran (Furadan)
Pestcides/Organic
Nervous system, Kidney and Liver, Probable cause
of cancer
