When water that falls from the sky is collected in tanks or wells instead of letting it go to waste. The stored water can be used in many ways, such as watering gardens, supporting farms and small plantations, or even washing cars. This practice is used on the island of …
A set of principles that direct how water resources are managed and how decisions about water are made. These guidelines unite government institutions, legal regulations, and interest holders so that water resources are used in ways that are sustainable, fair, and effective.
Methods used to control rainwater and snow melt flowing over municipal surfaces, aiming to reduce flooding, minimize erosion, improve water quality, and protect natural water bodies. This could include creating absorbent landscapes, permeable paving, green roofs, infiltration swales, or infiltration trenches. These methods slow, store, filter or redirect incoming water resulting …
The rules that guarantee every human being access to the minimum amount of safe, clean water, necessary to live a healthy life, free from potential risk of harm as outlined by the United Nations. These policies include protections from the illegal pollution and/or separation of individuals from sources of water, …
Areas or buildings designed for human excrement disposal that can function with or without water as it is a low-cost structure. They are designed with three major parts in mind: a hole in the ground, a concrete slab with a small hole for the user’s comfort and hygiene, and a …
The process of adding small amounts of fluoride (F–) to the community water for the benefits to tooth health. In Canada, 0.7 mg/L is added as it has been found to help prevent tooth decay and cavities without increasing a person’s risk for skeletal fluorosis (excessive amounts of fluoride leading …
The recycling of lightly used wastewater that is not contaminated with bodily fluids or kitchen grease and scraps. Water that comes from showers, bathroom sinks and washing machines is often recycled by diverging the water into a separate system from the sewage and is then redirected towards toilets and is …
Household water treatment and safe storage (HWTS) is a program started by the World Health Organization (WHO) aiming to improve drinking water quality for everyone by reducing the spread of diarrhea-causing diseases. This initiative focuses on prioritizing support for people who depend on water supplies that are open to contamination, …
A strategy designed to ensure the safety of drinking water by using several layers of protection to reduce the risk of contaminants reaching people’s taps. Instead of relying on a single treatment method, this system combines multiple steps such as protecting the water source, applying reliable treatment processes, maintaining safe …
An organic or inorganic compound or element that is present within an environment, product, or system at a concentration that is greater than naturally occurring or normal. Chemical contaminants must be assessed for risk management and safe maximum limit determination.