What is a Renewable Resource?

• A renewable resource is one that is replaced by natural processes at a rate that is equal to or faster than its consumption. For example, the wind, the tides, and the sun, are all resources that can be utilized for their power and are in no danger of expiring; These resources will always be available, despite the consumption level. Resources such as water, timber, and geothermal energy must be intensely monitored in order to avoid over-consumption, and thus deprive the resources of their renewability.
  
  

Sources of Water

• The water that we drink is derived from two basic sources. The first is through the supply of groundwater, which is collected through wells and pumps. The second is through surface collection, including lakes and rivers. Drinking water can be obtained from the oceans, but it must undergo a process called desalination in order to be suitable for consuming.
  
  

Is Water a Renewable Resource?

• Water in many cases is considered a renewable resource because it is renewed naturally on a consistent basis. Due to the strong demand and necessity for water, in addition to the continuous rise in Earth's population, the consumption rate needs to be monitored in order to ensure fresh water's availability and thus renewability. When, however, the demand for water outstrips the time necessary to renew, water is no longer recognized as a renewable resource. Instead, it becomes a non-renewable resource in that specific location. The monitoring ground water levels and consumption rate is a necessary task to ensure water's sustainability.
  
  

Threats to Water as a Renewable Resource

• In addition to the high demand for fresh water, there are other factors which can make water non-renewable. In times of drought, the reserve of groundwater is severely affected as consumption remains constant and the supply falls. Toxic spills in water also present a problem as some spills can pollute the water for a lifetime. Finally, population growth, which increases by nearly 50 million per year, will put further stress on this vital resource.
  
  

The Future of Renewable Water

• As global population is expected to rise nearly three times faster than the rate of accessible fresh water, the necessity of individual conservation is evident. In addition the efficiency with which humanity uses water will need to be further examined. The rate of consumption and use of water will severely affect this renewable resource.