Compensation water is a term used in agriculture and irrigation systems to describe the water that is required to replace the water that is lost due to evapotranspiration. The IPA phonetic transcription of compensation water is /ˌkɑːmpənˈseɪʃən ˈwɔːtər/. The word "compensation" is spelled with three syllables, while "water" is spelled with two syllables, as indicated by the primary stress on the first syllable of "compensation" and the second syllable of "water." This spelling reflects the usual pronunciation of the word in English.
Compensation water refers to the water provided to a downstream area or watercourse to make up for the amount of water that has been abstracted (withdrawn) or diverted upstream. It is a measure employed to ensure that water resources are equitably distributed and that the ecological balance of the affected downstream area is maintained.
When the abstraction or diversion of water occurs upstream, it can significantly impact the natural flow and availability of water downstream. This is particularly important in situations where the downstream areas rely on the availability of water for various purposes such as human consumption, agriculture, or sustaining ecosystems.
Compensation water aims to address this issue by allowing the downstream area to receive a certain amount of water that is equal to or compensates for the water that has been taken upstream. This can be achieved by storing water during periods of high flow and releasing it during periods of low flow or by diverting water from alternative sources.
The purpose of compensation water is to ensure that the ecological health and sustainability of the downstream area are not compromised due to upstream water abstractions or diversions. By replenishing the water resources, it helps to maintain the natural balance, preserve aquatic habitats, and support the well-being of both human and natural communities relying on the water ecosystem.
Overall, compensation water serves as a crucial mechanism for responsible water management, promoting fairness and sustainability in the allocation and use of water resources.
The term "compensation water" does not have a distinct or widely recognized etymology of its own. It is a compound term consisting of the words "compensation" and "water", each of which has its own etymology:
1. Compensation:
The word "compensation" originated from the Latin word "compensationem" which means "a weighing one thing against another" or "a balancing of accounts". It entered English in the mid-14th century, derived from the Latin verb "compensare", meaning "to weigh one thing against another, to counterbalance".
2. Water:
The word "water" has Old English roots and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "watar". This term is also related to the Old Frisian, Old Saxon, Old High German, and German words for "water".