WATER MANAGEMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Water management refers to the practice of planning, developing, distributing, optimizing, and conserving water resources in order to meet various human needs while also maintaining the health of ecosystems. It involves a range of activities aimed at ensuring the sustainable use and availability of water for various purposes, such as drinking, irrigation, industrial processes, and sanitation.
Water management encompasses a comprehensive approach that includes the collection, treatment, storage, and disposal of water, as well as the control of water quality and quantity. It involves both the physical infrastructure and the policies, regulations, and strategies implemented to ensure efficient and equitable water allocation and usage.
Efficient water management is crucial in addressing water scarcity issues and minimizing the impact of water-related disasters, such as floods and droughts. It requires the implementation of water-saving technologies and practices, including the use of efficient irrigation systems, wastewater treatment, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling.
Additionally, water management involves the consideration of environmental factors to ensure the health of aquatic habitats and fauna, including the maintenance of water quality and the protection of biodiversity. It also entails the involvement of stakeholders, including governments, communities, industries, and agricultural sectors, in decision-making processes related to water allocation and management.
In summary, water management is the systematic process of optimizing water resources by planning, developing, distributing, and conserving water to meet human needs while safeguarding the environment and ensuring sustainability.
Etymology of WATER MANAGEMENT
The word "water" is derived from the Old English word "wæter" or "wæteru", which comes from the Proto-Germanic word "watar" and the earlier Proto-Indo-European root "wodr" meaning "water".
The word "management" comes from the French word "management" which was derived from the Latin word "manus" meaning "hand" and "ager" meaning "to drive" or "to lead". Over time, it took on the meaning of "the act of handling, controlling, or directing something".
Therefore, the etymology of the word "water management" comes from the combination of "water" and "management", representing the act of controlling, directing, and handling water resources.
