GEF

151 Glossary VIRTUAL WATER  The amount of fresh water used to produce a product or service. Also called embod- ied water. VIRTUAL WATER TRADE  The hidden flow of water when food or other commodities are traded from one place to another. WASTEWATER  Water that has been used by humans. WATER AUDIT  A comprehensive evaluation of water use of a building or organization and recommendations for reduced water waste and increased efficiency. WATER CONSERVATION  The practice of saving water by reducing water waste. WATER CONSUMPTION  Water withdrawn from natural sources by humans that is not immediately available following use. WATER CYCLE  A biogeochemical cycle that tracks the movement of water through earth systems. WATER DISTRIBUTION  The process of bringing water from its source to users. WATER EFFICIENCY  Meeting human needs with the minimum amount of water necessary. WATER FOOTPRINT  The total amount of fresh water used to produce or supply goods and services. WATER INFRASTRUCTURE  Designed structure cre- ated to capture, transport, filter, and redistribute water. WATER METER  A device that measures water use, allowing customers to get direct feedback about the effects of water conservation initiatives. WATER POLLUTION  A degradation of water qual- ity due to a range of factors WATER POOR  Not having access to sufficient water or water of an adequate quality to meet one’s basic needs. WATER QUALITY  The chemical and biological profile of water. WATER RECYCLING  The practice of treating waste- water to reuse for beneficial purpose, including agricultural and industrial use. WATER SCARCITY  Having less than 1,000 cubic meters of water available per person per year. WATER STRESS  When insufficient water is avail- able in a given region to meet human needs. WATER SUSTAINABILITY  Equitable use and management of water that does not impair its avail- ability or quality for present and future generations or ecosystems WATER SYSTEM  An understanding of water as a substance that moves through parts of the Earth as well as human infrastructure. WATER TABLE  The upper surface of groundwater. WATER WITHDRAWAL  The removal of water from a water body for human use. WATERBORNE DISEASES  Diseases caused by con- taminated water. WATERSHED  The land area drained by a river system WATERSHED FRAMEWORK  An approach to environmental management that focuses efforts in geographic areas defined by the ground and surface water. WETLANDS  A land area that is permanently or seasonally saturated with water. WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO)  The principal global organization dedicated to improving public health.