Fresh Water As A Resource
An important concern for hydrological ecosystems is securing minimum streamflow, especially preserving and restoring instream water allocations. Fresh water is an important natural resource necessary for the survival of all ecosystems. The use of water by humans for activities such as irrigation and industrial applications can have adverse impacts on down-stream ecosystems. Chemical contamination of fresh water can also seriously damage eco-systems.
Pollution from human activity, including oil spills, also presents a problem for freshwater resources. The largest petroleum spill that has ever occurred in fresh water was caused by a Royal Dutch Shell tank ship in Magdalena, Argentina, on January 15, 1999, polluting the environment, drinkable water, plants and animals.
Fresh and unpolluted water accounts for 0.003% of total water available globally.
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Famous quotes containing the words fresh, water and/or resource:
“Nature will not be Buddhist: she resents generalizing, and insults the philosopher in every moment with a million fresh particulars.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
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And oh, not the valleys of Hall
Avail: I am fain for to water the plain.
Downward, the voices of Duty call—
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The dry fields burn, and the mills are to turn,
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Calls o’er the hills of Habersham,
Calls through the valleys of Hall.”
—Sidney Lanier (1842–1881)
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—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)