How is the local hydrologic cycle affected by the practice of drawing drinking water from a river and then returning sewage to the same river?
Can anyone please help?????? THANKS A LOT!!!!!
Yucchh!
Unless the sewage is processed, then people are drinking what they've recently urinated and defecated.
You might get a kick out of this old song sung by Tom Lehrer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPrAuF2f_oI
You really get a kick out of it if you live in San Jose.
But that version doesn't include the San Jose reference.
The breakfast garbage they throw into the bay,
Is drunk for lunch in San Jose.
Of course! I'd be happy to help explain how the local hydrologic cycle is affected by the practice of drawing drinking water from a river and then returning sewage to the same river.
The local hydrologic cycle refers to the movement and distribution of water within a specific area. When drinking water is drawn from a river, it is typically treated to remove contaminants and make it safe for consumption. After it is used, the water becomes wastewater or sewage, which is then returned to the same river.
Here's how the practice impacts the local hydrologic cycle:
1. Water Extraction: Drawing drinking water from a river removes a certain amount of water from the natural flow. This can lower the water level and affect the flow dynamics of the river. It may also impact ecosystems and the availability of water downstream.
2. Water Treatment: The treatment process involves adding chemicals and using filtration methods to remove pollutants from the water. However, some chemicals used in the treatment process may not be completely removed, and traces might end up back in the river. This can impact the water quality and the organisms living in the river.
3. Water Consumption: When the treated water is consumed, it leaves the local hydrologic system. It is either used by individuals or businesses, and a portion of it is eventually released back into the environment through various means like urination or sweating. This water then enters the natural cycle again as evaporation or runoff.
4. Wastewater Discharge: After water is used, it becomes wastewater or sewage. It contains various contaminants, including organic matter, nutrients, and potentially harmful substances. Discharging sewage back into the same river can introduce these pollutants into the water system, affecting the river's quality and the organisms living in it.
Overall, the practice of drawing drinking water from a river and returning sewage to the same river can have several impacts on the local hydrologic cycle. It can alter the river's flow dynamics, affect water quality, and potentially harm the ecosystem. To get more specific information about the effects in a particular area, it is recommended to consult scientific studies, local environmental agencies, or water management authorities that specialize in the region of interest.