Surplus waters refer to an excess or abundance of water, typically beyond what is considered necessary or normal. It generally denotes a condition where an area or system experiences an overflow or surplus of water, either due to natural phenomena, such as heavy rainfall or melting snow, or as a result of human intervention, such as irrigation or drainage practices.
In natural contexts, surplus waters most commonly occur in flood situations, where an excessive amount of water accumulates in river systems, lakes, or low-lying areas, posing a risk to human settlements, flora, and fauna. These surplus waters may cause damage to infrastructure, result in soil erosion, and disrupt ecosystems.
In a human-made context, surplus waters can occur as a result of deliberate water management practices, such as diverting water from one area to another or intentionally flooding agricultural fields for irrigation purposes. Surplus waters can also refer to an industry's disposal of wastewater or excess water by releasing it into rivers, lakes, or the ocean.
Efficient management and monitoring of surplus waters is crucial to mitigate adverse impacts and ensure the sustainable use of water resources. It often involves strategies such as constructing reservoirs and dams to store excess water during periods of abundance, implementing drainage systems to divert surplus waters away from vulnerable areas, or regulating irrigation practices to prevent excess water usage in agricultural activities.
The term "surplus waters" highlights the significance of understanding water dynamics, both in natural and human contexts, and underscores the importance of effective water management practices to ensure water availability, safety, and minimize potential hazards.
