waste

Any material that humans discard as unwanted. (Chapter 7)

wastewater

Used and contaminated water that is released after use by households, industry, or agriculture. (Chapter 14)

wastewater treatment

The process of removing contaminants from wastewater to make it safe enough to release into the environment. (Chapter 14)

waterborne disease

An infectious disease acquired through contact with contaminated water. (Chapter 5)

water cycle

The movement of water through various water compartments such as surface waters, atmosphere, soil, and living organisms. (Chapter 14)

water footprint

The water appropriated by industry to produce products or energy; this includes the water actually used and water that is polluted in the production process. (Chapter 14)

water pollution

The addition of any substance to a body of water that might degrade its quality. (Chapter 15)

water scarcity

Not having access to enough clean water. (Chapter 14)

watershed

The land area surrounding a body of water over which water such as rain can flow and potentially enter that body of water. (Chapter 15)

watershed management

Management of what goes on in an area around streams and rivers. (Chapter 15)

water table

The uppermost water level of the saturated zone of an aquifer. (Chapter 14)

weather

The meteorological conditions in a given place on a given day. (Chapter 21)

wetland

An ecosystem that is permanently or seasonally flooded. (Chapter 14)

wind energy

Energy contained in the motion of air across Earth’s surface. (Chapter 23)

worldview

The window through which one views one’s world and existence. (Chapter 1)