LEARNING MODULE SURIGAO STATE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Topic : Introduction to Water Resources and Engineering

Time Frame : 3 hours

Introduction
Water resources engineering generally deals with the water supply management and water excess
management. That is the provision of water for human use and the development of techniques for the prevention
of destruction from floods. Water resources engineering also includes the planning and management of facilities
that are constructed for these tasks like making canals for irrigation and sewers for drainage and to avoid
waterlogging, and all other issues related with the usage and control of water.
Water resources engineering focuses on the engineering aspects of hydrology and hydraulics for water
supply management and water excess management. It does not only include the analysis and syntheses of
various water problems through the use of the many analytical tools in hydrologic engineering and hydraulic
engineering but also extends to the design aspects.

Objectives
At the end of this topic, you are expected to:
1. Recognize the importance of water
2. Identify the applications of water resources.
3. Describe the future of water resources

Pretest
Introduction to water resources and engineering

Name :
Year & Section :

Direction: Write on the space provided your answer to the following item:

1. What are the four key components of hydrologic cycle?

__________________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________ occurs when atmospheric moisture becomes too great to remain suspended in
clouds.
3. _________________ is the predominant form of precipitation and its distribution over the world and
within a country.
4. __________________________ is the water that flows across the land surface after a storm event.
5. _________________________ includes all evaporation from water and land surfaces as well as
transpiration from plants.
6. ________________________ is the water infiltrating through the soil cover of a land surface and
traveling further to reach the huge body of water underground.
7. ______________________ is the cause of loss of water from open bodies of water such as lakes,
rivers, the oceans and the land surface.
8. ______________________ is the process by which water molecules leaves the body of a living plant
and escapes to the atmosphere.
9. Portion of the precipitation falling on land surface which does not flow out as runoff gets stored as
surface water or as sub-surface water is called _______________________.
10. A ___________________ is a measurement of the continuity of the flow of water through a system or
control volume.

CE 118 WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING 4

 LEARNING MODULE SURIGAO STATE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Learning Activities

Read the following theories and concepts.

Read book (shared file using google classroom)

Hydrologic Cycle and its Components

Water in our planet is available in the atmosphere, the oceans, on land and within the soil and fractured rock of
the earth’s crust. Water molecules are driven from one location to another by the solar energy. Moisture
circulates from the earth into the atmosphere through evaporation and then back into the earth as precipitation.
In the process called the hydrologic cycle, water is conserved- that is, it is neither created nor destroyed.

The hydrologic cycles consists of four key components:

1. Precipitation
2. Runoff
3. Storage
4. Evapotanspiration

Precipitation.
Precipitation occurs when atmospheric moisture becomes too great to remain suspended in clouds. It
denotes all forms of water that reach the earth from the atmosphere, the usual forms being rainfall, snowfall, hail,
frost and dew.
Rainfall is the predominant form of precipitation and its distribution over the world and within a country. The
distribution of precipitation for our country is recorded by the PAGASA.

Runoff.
Runoff is the water that flows across the land surface after a storm event. As rain falls over the land,
part of that gets infiltrated the surface as overland flow. As the flow bears down, it notches out rills and gullies
which combine to form channels and these combine further to form streams and rivers. The geographical area
which contributes to the flow of a river is called a river or a watershed.

Storage.
Portion of the precipitation falling on land surface which does not flow out as runoff gets stored as either
surface water bodies like lakes, reservoirs and wetlands or as sub-surface water body, is called ground water.
Groundwater storage is the water infiltrating through the soil cover of a land surface and travelling further to
reach the huge body of water underground.
Ground water recharge is principally governed by the intensity of rainfall and the condition of soil and aquifer.
Some of the water that precipitates, flows on ground surface or seeps through the soil first, then flows laterally
and some continues to percolate deeper into the soil. This body of water will eventually reach a saturated zone
and replenish or recharge ground water supply.

The following definitions may be useful:

Lakes. Large, naturally occurring inland body of water.
Reservoirs. Artificial or natural inland body of water used to store water to meet various demands.
Wetlands. Natural or artificial areas of shallow water or saturated soils that contain or could support
water-loving plants.

Evapotranspiration. Evapotranspiration is actually the combination of two terms – evaporation and transpiration.
Evaporation is the process of liquid converting into vapor, through wind action and solar radiation and returning
to the atmosphere. It is the cause of loss of water from open bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, the oceans
and the land surface. Transpiration is the process by which water molecules leaves the body of a living plant and
escapes to the atmosphere. The water is drawn up by the plant root system and part of that is lost through the
tissues of plant leaf (through the stomata).

CE 118 WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING 5

 LEARNING MODULE SURIGAO STATE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Evapotranspiration, therefore, includes all evaporation from water and land surfaces as well as
transpiration from plants.
The World’s Freshwater

The hydrologic cycle or water cycle is the movement of water from the oceans and freshwater sources
to the air and land and finally back to the oceans. The water cycle constantly renews the Earth’s supply of fresh
water. Most of the fresh water on the Earth’s surface is found in moving and in stand water. Rivers, streams and
springs are moving water. Ponds, lakes, and swampy wetlands are standing water.
Each time we turn on the tap, plumbing systems instantly bring this important resource into our homes.
Despite its importance for life, though, fresh water is an extremely rare resource on Earth. Less than 3% of the
water found on Earth is fresh water, and the remaining 97% is salt water.
Most of the world’s fresh water is not easily accessible to humans. According to National Geographic,
approximately 69% of Earth’s freshwater is locked away in other, and another 30% is under the surface in the
form of groundwater. That leaves 1% of Earth’s fresh water is readily available for human use.

Running Water
Rivers and streams are important sources of fresh water. Many towns and cities build near rivers and streams.
The water is used to irrigate crops, generate electricity, drinking and other household purposes. Rivers are also
used for recreational purposes. Rivers have been used to remove waste.

Surface Runoff
Rain and melted snow that do not evaporate or soak into the soil flow into rivers and streams. The water that
enters a river or stream after a heavy rain or spring thaw is called surface runoff. The amount of surface runoff is
affected by several factors. One is the type of soil the precipitation fall on. Some soils are more porous and soak
up more water. The condition of the soil is also important. Dry soil will soak up more. Wet soil will accept less
water. Plant roots absorb water. In areas where there are many plants, more water is absorbed.

Watershed
A land area in which surface runoff drains into a river or a system of rivers is called a watershed. Water sheds
prevents floods and water shortages by controlling the amount of water that flows into streams and rivers.
Watersheds also provide a steady flow of fresh water into the oceans.

The major purpose of water use:

Water-use purpose Definition

Domestic use Water for household needs such as drinking, food preparation, bathing, washing
clothes and dishes, flushing toilets, watering lawns and gardens (also called
residential use)
Commercial use Water for motels, hotels, restaurants, office buildings, and other commercial
facilities and institutions.
Irrigation use Artificial application of water on lands to assist in the growing of crops and
pastures to maintain vegetative growth in recreational land such as parks and
golf courses.
Industrial use Water for industrial purposes such as fabrication, processing, washing and
cooling.
Livestock use Water for livestock watering, feed lots, dairy operations, fish farming and other
on-farm needs.
Mining use Water for the extraction of minerals occurring naturally and associated with
quarrying, well operations, milling, and other operations customarily done at the
mine site or as part of a mining activity.
Public use Water supplied from a public water supply and used for such purpose as
firefighting, street washing, municipal parks and swimming pools.
Rural use Water for suburban or farm areas for domestic and livestock needs, which is
generally self-supplied.
CE 118 WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING 6
 LEARNING MODULE SURIGAO STATE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Thermoelectric power use Water for the process of the generation of thermoelectric power.

Philippine Water Resource

Water use from a hydrologic perspective is defined as all water that flows that are a result of human
intervention in the hydrologic cycle. Water use can include water used and then returned to its source. The figure
below shows the agricultural, municipal and industrial water withdrawals in billion cubic meters.
The country is endowed with rich natural resources, including water, which are essential for the
country’s economic development. Water resources of the Philippines include inland freshwater (rivers, lakes, and
groundwater), and marine (bay, coastal and oceanic waters). Overall, there is sufficient water but not enough in
highly populated areas, especially during dry season.

Note: You can read more articles on the renewable groundwater and renewable surface water resources.
.
In 2025 the country is projected to face water shortage. The Impending Shortage is attributed to:
Excessive Ground Water Extraction, Forest Degradation, Saline Intrusion, Prolonged Dry Season due to Climate
Change, and Land Conversion among others.
In 2006, River Basin Control Office in the DENR (Department of Environmental and Natural Resources)
was established for measures to protect and conserved water. Integrated River Basin Management and
Development (IRBMD) also was responsible in programs/activities to protect and conserve water. These are
Wetland Management, Groundwater Management, National Greening Program, Development Construction of
Dams, Clean up Activity and DENR coordinating with the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways).

18 major rivers basins and 3 principal river basins 142 critical watersheds

CE 118 WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING 7

 LEARNING MODULE SURIGAO STATE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Philippine Water Law

PD 1067, a decree instituting a water code, thereby revising and consolidating the laws governing the
ownership, appropriation, utilization, exploitation, development and protection of water resources.
Summary of the Philippines PD No. 1067

Objectives of the Water code of the Philippines

1. To establish the basic principles and framework relating to the appropriation, control and
conservation of water resources and to achieve the optimum development and rational utilization of these
resources;
2. To define the extent of the rights and obligations of water users and owners including the protection
and regulation of such rights;
3. To adopt a basic law regarding the ownership, appropriation, utilization, exploitation, development,
conservation and protection of water resources and rights to land thereto; and
4. To identify the administrative agencies which will enforce the Water Code.

Underlying Principles of the Water code of the Philippines

1. All waters belong to the State;
2. All waters that belong to the State cannot be subject to acquisitive prescription;
3. The State may allow the use of development of waters by administrative concession;
4. The utilization, exploitation, development of waters shall consider current usages and be responsive
to the changing needs of the country.

Waters as used in the Water Code, refers to water under the ground, water above the ground, water in
the atmosphere and the waters of the sea within the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines.
Water that belong to the State
1. Rivers and their natural beds;
2. Continuous or intermittent waters of springs and brooks running in their natural beds and the beds
themselves;
3. Natural lakes and lagoons;
4. All other categories of surface waters such as flowing over ands, water from rainfall whether natural
or artificial, and water from agricultural run-off, seepage and drainage;
5. Atmospheric water
6. Subterranean or ground waters; and
7. Seawater.

Waters found on private lands that belong to the state

CE 118 WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING 8

 LEARNING MODULE SURIGAO STATE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

1. Continuous or intermittent waters rising on such lands;

2. Lakes and lagoons naturally occurring on such lands;
3. Rain water falling on such lands;
4. Subterranean or ground waters; and
5. Waters in swamps and marshes.

Article 6: the owner of the land where the water is found may be use the same for domestic purposes
without securing a permit, provided that such shall be registered, when required by the National Water
Resources Council. ( I supposed that said council is no longer available) The council, however, may regulate
such use when there is (1) wastage, or (2) in times of emergency.
Article 7: Subject to the provisions of the Water Code, any person who captures or collects water by
means of cisterns, tanks or pools shall have exclusive control over such water and the right to dispose of the
same.
Appropriation of Waters
Article 9: Waters may be appropriated and used in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
Appropriation of water, as used in this Code, is the acquisition of rights over the use of waters or the taking or
diverting of waters from a natural source in the manner and for any purpose allowed by law.
Article 10: Water may be appropriated for the following purposes: domestic, municipal, irrigation, power
generation, fisheries, livestock raising, industrial, recreational, and other purpose.
Use of water for domestic purposes is the utilization of water for drinking, washing, bathing, cooking or other
household needs, home gardens, and watering of lawns or domestic animals.
Use of water for municipal purposes is the utilization of water for supplying the water requirements of the
community.
Use of water for irrigation is the utilization of water for producing agricultural crops.
Use of water for power generation is the utilization of water for producing electrical or mechanical power.
Use of water for fisheries is the utilization of water for the propagation and culture of fish as a commercial
enterprise.
Use of water for livestock raising is the utilization of water for large herds or flocks of animals raised as a
commercial enterprise.
Use of water for industrial purposes is the utilization of water in factories, industrial plants and mines, including
the use of water as ingredient of a finished product.
Use of water for recreational purposes is the utilization of water for swimming pools, bath houses, boating, water
skiing, golf courses and other similar facilities in resorts and other places of recreation.

The Future of Water Resources

The management of water resources can be subdivided into three broad categories: (1) water-supply
management, (2) water-excess management, and (3) environmental restoration.
All modern multipurpose water resources projects are designed and built for water-supply management and/or
water-excess management. In fact, all water resources projects have been designed and built for one or both of
these categories.
A water resources system is a system for redistribution, in space and time, of the water available to a
region to meet societal needs. Water can be utilized from surface water systems, from groundwater systems, or
from conjunctive/ground surface water systems.
The hydrologic cycle must be defined in terms of both water quantity and water quality. Because of the
very complex water issues and problems, that we face today, many fields of study are involved in their solution.
These include biological sciences, engineering, physical sciences, and social sciences.
In the 21st century, we are questioning the viability of our patterns of development, industrialization, and
resources usage. We are now beginning to discuss the goals of attaining an equitable and sustainable society in
the international community. Looking into the future, a new set of problems face us, including the rapidly growing
population, uncertain impacts of global climate change, possible conflicts over shared freshwater resources,
thinning of the ozone layer, destruction of rain forests, threats to wetland, farmland, and other renewable
resources, and many others.

CE 118 WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING 9

 LEARNING MODULE SURIGAO STATE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Looking into the future, a new set of problems face us, including the rapidly growing population in
developing countries; uncertain impacts of global climate change; possible conflicts over shared freshwater
resources; thinning of the ozone layer; destruction of rain forests; threats to wetland, farmland, and other
renewable resources; and many others.

Water Resources Sustainability

Mays (2007) defined water resources sustainability to use water in sufficient quantities and quality from
the local to the global scale to meet the needs of humans and ecosystems for the present and the future to
sustain life, and to protect humans from the damages brought about by natural and human-caused disasters that
affect sustaining life.
Water resources sustainability includes:
1. availability of fresh water supplies throughout the periods of climatic change;
2. having the infrastructure, to provide water supply for human consumption and food security, and to
provide protection from water excess such as floods and other natural disasters;
3. having the infrastructure for clean water and for treating water after it has been used by humans
after being returned to water bodies;

Challenges to water sustainability include urbanization, droughts, climate change, flooding and human-induced
factors.

Self-evaluation
Answer the following:
1. What is water resources engineering?
2. Why is water a valuable resource?
3. What is the importance of water resource management?
4. How can we sustain water for the future?
5. How will climate change influence water supply?
Review of Concepts
The quality of water is being increasingly threatened by pollutant load, which is on the rise as a
consequence of rising population, urbanization, industrialization, increased use of agricultural chemicals, etc.
Both the surface and ground water have gradually increased in contamination level. Technological intervention in
the form of providing sewerage system for all urban conglomerates, low cost sanitation system for all rural
households, water treatment plants for all industries emanating polluted water, etc. has to be made.
Contamination of ground water due to over-exploitation has also emerged as a serious problem. It is difficult to
restore ground water quality once the aquifer is contaminated. Ground water contamination occurs due to human
interference and also natural factors. To promote human health, there is urgent need to prevent contamination of
ground water and also promote and develop cost-effective techniques for purifying contaminated ground water
for use in rural areas like solar stills.
In summary, the development of water resources potential should be such that in doing so there should
not be any degradation in the quality or quantity of the resources available at present. Thus the development
should be sustainable for future.

Posttest
Introduction to Water Resources Engineering

References:

Mays, L (2001) “Water Resources Engineering”, First Edition, John Wiley and Sons.
Linsley, R K and Franzini, J B (1979) “Water Resources Engineering”, Third Edition, McGraw Hill, Inc.

CE 118 WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING 10

 LEARNING MODULE SURIGAO STATE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Kharagpur (2008) “Water Resources Engineering”, First Edition

CE 118 WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING 11