Aquifer – A porous body of rock or sediments capable of storing water. This water is known as groundwater and is replenished naturally.
Coastal lagoon – An unvegetated body of salt or brackish water separated from the sea by a strip of land or rock
Dryland farming – The production of crops in areas with low levels of natural rainfall without using irrigation.
Eutrophication – An excess of nutrients in the water, often due to agricultural run-off, which causes bacterial blooms and rapid plant growth, leading to the depletion of oxygen and the death of animal life.
Food security– The ability to provide enough food to meet needs, either by production or trade. Food production is a major water user globally.
Groundwater – Water which is held underneath the earth’s surface in underground streams and aquifers.
Hard water – Water that contains a high proportion of alkaline compounds derived from calcareous sources.
Microbial contamination – Contamination of water by micro-organisms, particularly bacteria, which cause diseases.
Rainfall deficit – A period of below-average rainfall or drought which may be classed as serious, where rainfall is within the lowest 5-10% of recorded rainfall; or severe, where rainfall is below the lowest 5% of recorded rainfall.
Riparian – Related to, of, or situated on the banks of a river. For example, this term is commonly used in the context of riparian states, communities, vegetation, and similar.
Water poverty – The state in which an individual, household, or community does not have access to enough water, or enough water of acceptable quality, to meet basic needs.
Water Security – A multi-faceted concept related to ensuring enough water supply.
Watershed – An area of land wherein all surface and groundwater drains to a common river, lake, or other water body.