Clean Water

by Vigil, Kenneth M.

• ISBN13: 9780870714986
• ISBN10: 0870714988
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-04-01
• Publisher: Oregon State Univ Pr

Summary

Clean Water is a book for anyone concerned about this precious resource who wants to become better informed. In straightforward language, Kenneth Vigil provides a comprehensive introduction to the many scientific, regulatory, cultural, and geographic issues associated with water quality and water pollution control.

Most other books on water quality and pollution control are highly technical and very specific, and are aimed at engineers, scientists, or attorneys. Clean Water, on the other hand, is a comprehensive discussion of the subject intended for a wider audience of science students, educators, and the general public.

Vigil avoids the use of technical jargon and uses many photos and diagrams to illustrate and explain concepts. He provides sufficient detail to educate readers about many broad topics and includes additional references at the end of each chapter for exploring specific topics in more detail.

Clean Water summarizes the basic fundamentals of water chemistry and microbiology and outlines important water quality rules and regulations, all in

Author Biography

Kenneth M. Vigil is an environmental engineer with twenty years experience. He has expertise in water quality analysis, hydrology and hydraulics, stream and flood plain restoration, fish passage design, and environmental permitting

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments	ix
Introduction	1	(155)
1. The Water Environment	6	(17)
The Hydrologic Cycle	7	(2)
Natural Conditions That Influence Water Quality	9	(3)
Geology	9	(1)
Climate	10	(1)
Vegetation	10	(1)
Morphology	11	(1)
Location	12	(1)
Human Activities That Affect Water Quality	12	(11)
Rivers and Streams	13	(1)
Lakes and Ponds	13	(2)
Wetlands	15	(1)
Bays and Estuaries	16	(2)
Oceans and Seas	18	(1)
Groundwater	19	(1)
Atmospheric Water	20	(1)
Summary	21	(1)
Additional Reading	22	(1)
2. Water Chemistry and Microbiology	23	(23)
The Water Molecule	25	(1)
Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature	26	(4)
pH	30	(1)
Organic Substances	31	(3)
Inorganic Substances	34	(1)
Solids	35	(5)
Nutrients	37	(3)
Toxics	40	(2)
Microorganisms	42	(2)
Summary	44	(1)
Additional Reading	44	(2)
3. Sources of Water Pollution	46	(13)
Stormwater Runoff	47	(1)
Domestic Discharges	48	(4)
Septic Systems	49	(1)
Sewage Treatment Plants	49	(3)
Industrial Discharges	52	(1)
Accidental Spills	53	(2)
Water Control Structures	55	(2)
Summary	57	(1)
Additional Reading	57	(2)
4. Preventing Water Pollution	59	(22)
Prevention	61	(2)
Natural Water Pollution Control Processes	63	(3)
Stormwater Treatment	66	(4)
Domestic Treatment	70	(5)
Septic Systems	70	(1)
Sewage Treatment Plants	71	(4)
Industrial Treatment	75	(2)
Spill Prevention and Cleanup	77	(2)
Summary	79	(1)
Additional Reading	80	(1)
5. Water Quality Regulations	81	(25)
Federal Regulations	82	(11)
Clean Water Act	82	(3)
Safe Drinking Water Act	85	(3)
National Environmental Policy Act	88	(2)
Endangered Species Act	90	(1)
Hazardous Waste Regulations	91	(2)
State Regulations	93	(8)
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System	93	(2)
Water Quality Standards	95	(3)
Water Quality Certification	98	(1)
Wetlands Protection	99	(2)
State Environmental Policy Act	101	(1)
Local Regulations	101	(3)
Construction Related Ordinances	102	(1)
Special District Ordinances	103	(1)
Summary	104	(1)
Additional Reading	104	(2)
6. The Watershed Approach	106	(12)
Watershed Characteristics	110	(1)
Activities Affecting Water Quality	111	(1)
Alternatives for Addressing Concerns	112	(2)
Monitoring the Watershed	114	(2)
Summary	116	(1)
Additional Reading	116	(2)
7. Drinking Water	118	(16)
Drinking Water Sources	119	(1)
Drinking Water Treatment	120	(3)
Drinking Water Concerns	123	(6)
Watershed Disturbances	123	(2)
Groundwater Contamination	125	(1)
Microbial Contamination	126	(1)
Chlorinated Organics	127	(1)
Copper and Lead	128	(1)
Drinking Water Standards	129	(3)
Summary	132	(1)
Additional reading	132	(2)
8. Getting Personal about Clean Water	134	(22)
Water Quality at Home	135	(10)
Use Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products	135	(1)
Use Household Water Wisely	136	(2)
Use Household Energy Wisely	138	(1)
Compost Your Lawn Clippings, Yard Debris,and Food Wastes	139	(1)
Recycle and reuse Household Goods instead of Throwing Them in the Trash	140	(2)
Follow Good Car Maintenance Practices	142	(1)
Use Your Automobile Less and Use It More Selectively	142	(1)
Be Mindful of Your Use of Pesticudes, Herbicides, and Fertilizers in Home Landscaping	143	(1)
Educate and Involve Your Children, and Set a Good Example	144	(1)
Be Mindful of Runoff from Your Property	145	(1)
Public Involvement	145	(3)
Environmental Organizations	148	(1)
Internet Resources	149	(5)
Summary	154	(1)
Additional Reading	155	(1)
Glossary	156	(20)
Index	176