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Chapter 9: Problem 17

Describe the principal pathways involved in the water budget of the contiguous 48 states. What is the difference between withdrawal and consumptive use of water resources? Compare these with instream uses.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The water budget consists of precipitation, evaporation, and runoff. Water withdrawal refers to the total amount extracted from a source and consumptive use is the portion of the withdrawn water that evaporates or is incorporated into products. Unlike withdrawal and consumptive use, instream uses don't involve the extraction of water, they occur within the stream channel and maintain the water's presence within the water body.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Water Budget

A water budget involves three principal pathways: precipitation, evaporation, and runoff. Precipitation refers to water that falls to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor and runoff is water, derived from precipitation, that flows over the ground surface.
02

Defining Withdrawal and Consumptive Use

Withdrawal refers to the total amount of water taken from a water source for use, whereas consumptive use refers to the amount of water evaporated or incorporated into products during its use. So, not all water withdrawn is consumed.
03

Clarifying Instream Uses

Instream uses are those that occur within the stream channel. Examples include hydroelectric power, navigation, fish and wildlife habitats, recreation (like fishing and boating), and aesthetic enjoyment.
04

Comparing Withdrawal, Consumptive Use, and Instream Uses

While withdrawal and consumptive use relate to the extraction of water from a source and its subsequent use or loss, instream uses do not involve water extraction. They relate to uses of water that maintain its presence and flow within the water body.

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