Hydrology would be best defined as the science dealing with all aspects of the availability of water on Earth. The science would be inclusive of the study of –
- occurrence of water
- distribution of water
- circulation of water
- properties of water
- the effects of water n living beings and the environment
It would not entirely be deemed as pure science, as it offers several practical applications. It would also make the most of the knowledge of various other sciences immensely.
What does the subject of hydrology entail?
The subject of hydrology would involve –
- assessing the catchment rainfall
- determining the capacity of reservoirs and their use in life
- assessing the losses
- designing the safety of hydraulic structures from floods
- assessing the dependable flow of water
- to déterminer les impacts d’un projet sur l’aquifère
Application of hydrology in engineering
Determining the success of the development of any water resource would be based on timely availability and an adequate supply of water. A proper assessment of water has been deemed vital, as it would help you know comprehensively from where the resource comes, when it comes, where it comes, what time it comes, and how much of it has been made readily available for human consumption.
Therefore, hydrological investigations would be the initial step in the development of any water resources scheme involving construction, operation of hydraulic structures, and its design. The cost of collecting adequate hydrological data along with its analysis makes a relatively small part of the entire cost of the water resources development project. However, it ensures the success of the operation along with the life of the project, thereby, becoming an essential activity.
Forecast on floods
Despite water being a vital natural resource, it would also bring destruction through floods and storms. The hydrologist would be required to forecast –
- on floods
- on hydropower generation
- assurance on adequate storage capability of water for irrigation
- domestic water supply
- industrial water supply
- control on floods
Understanding practical applications of hydrology
The practical applications of the information gathered by hydrologists would be as follows –
- Estimating the flow of water and future conditions of water flow at any point in the drainage valley or basin area
- Facilitating the design of river training work
- Effective management of the operation of reservoirs
- Accurate determination of the reservoir capacity
- Preparing river basin account of the water resources
- Proper designing of the sewerage schemes and water supply to townships
These are some of the practical applications of the information gathered by hydrologists.
A Legionella risk assessment involves evaluating water systems, identifying potential hazards, and implementing preventive measures. Regular monitoring and maintenance are essential to control Legionella bacteria and minimize the risk of infections.