Wastewater-disposed water that enters the sewer system from homes, schools or businesses/industry that cannot be reused unless it is treated.
Water-clear, colorless, odorless, tasteless liquid comprised of atoms of hydrogen (one atom) and oxygen (two atoms) = H20; essential for plant and animal life on Earth. The “universal solvent”.
Water Cycle-see hydrologic cycle.
Water quality-term used to describe the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of water, usually in respect to its suitability for a particular purpose. Drinking water must meet thehighest water quality standards.
Water Table
Water table-top of the ground water surface present in a drilled well when it reaches the aquifer; surface of a body of unconfined ground water. In much of Arizona deserts, the water table is tens to hundreds of feet below the surface.
Water table decline-the regional lowering of the water table due to over pumping of wells.
Water use-used for a specific purpose, i.e., domestic, agricultural or industrial.
Watershed-land area that drains to a particular stream, river or lake. Large watersheds (Colorado or Gila Rivers) contain many smaller watersheds.)
Well or water well-a bored, drilled or driven shaft or a dug hole for the purpose of withdrawing water from an underground aquifer. Ground water is then retrieved by windlass and bucket, hand pump or motorized pump into a pipe system.
Wellhead Protection Area
Wellhead Protection Area-area surrounding a drinking water well or well field managed to prevent contamination of the wells.
Withdrawal-water removed from a ground water or surface water source for use.
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Xeriscaping-a method of landscaping that uses plants well adapted to the local desert area that are drought-resistant and use little water.
