Question

water wells play an essential role in providing groundwater to many people and industries across the province. the first wells in alberta were drilled in the late 1800s, and since then, more than 220,000 wells have been drilled and reported. notably, more than 90 percent of rural albertans rely on water wells for their daily water needs. these active wells are essential for pumping water from underground aquifers, supporting communities, agriculture, and industries alike.
alberta environment and sustainable resource department

1. according to the article excerpt above, where do most people in rural alberta get their water?

a. from public water companies
b. from a privately owned water company
c. from underground aquifers
d. from rivers and lakes

1. people move into and begin living in an area that previously had no human activity. what will most likely be the effect on the amount of water

a. water will be more evenly distributed in the area.
b. most of the areas freshwater will be converted to saltwater.
c. the amount of fresh water suitable for drinking will increase.
d. there will be less available for other living things.

1. these resources have a limited amount, and natural processes cannot replace them in a human lifetime

a. renewable
b. suspect
c. nonrenewable
d. no suspect
chart: nonrenewable resources connected to iron, aluminum, petroleum, and a?

1. which of the following belongs to the chart above?

a. wood
b. nuclear elements
c. water
d. solar

Explanation:

Question 18

The excerpt says "more than 90 percent of rural Albertans rely on water wells for their daily water needs" and "these active wells are essential for pumping water from underground aquifers". So we check the options: A and B are about water companies, which aren't mentioned. D is about rivers/lakes, not mentioned. C matches the info about underground aquifers.

When people move into a previously uninhabited area, they will use water for their needs (drinking, agriculture, etc.). This means less water will be available for other living things (plants, animals). A is wrong because human activity would disrupt even distribution. B is wrong as freshwater doesn't turn to saltwater easily here. C is wrong because human use would decrease, not increase, drinkable freshwater. D is correct.

The definition given is "limited amount, and natural processes cannot replace them in a human lifetime". Renewable resources (A) are replaced quickly. "Suspect" (B) and "No suspect" (D) are not resource types. Nonrenewable resources (C) match the definition (e.g., fossil fuels, minerals take long to form).

Answer:

C. from underground aquifers

Question 19