Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering these questions.
Match the following words to their correct definitions.
Place the following phrases alongside the appropriate water source:
quality can change with location and season; difficult to treat if contaminated; usually requires treatment; free of charge; can be easily polluted by industry and agriculture; likely to be free from pathogenic bacteria; can be polluted by bird droppings; can often have a high mineral content.
Water source | Characteristics |
groundwater | |
surface water | |
rainwater |
Suppose that inhabitants of a village obtain water from a spring. What advice would you give to the users about the prevention of contaminants entering the spring?
The users of the spring should be advised to:
Look at Figure 3.16, which shows a hand pump over a well. What would you recommend should be done to improve protection of this water source?
There should be a raised, smooth-sloping area around the pump for user safety and also so that any surface water or spillage runs off. The rock wall should be increased in height and a gate installed so that no animals can get near the pump and contaminate the area.
Which of the following statements is false in relation to the development of a new water source? In each case explain why it is incorrect.
D is false. It is better to find a water source that is of good quality so that minimal treatment is required. This will keep costs low.
List the factors that make a water source ideal to use.
The following are important factors for an ideal water source:
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