4.2 - Water Access, Use and Security

Question 1

Water security

Answer 1

Having access to sufficient amounts of safe drinking water - essential for sustainable societies

Question 2

Social factors affecting water security (4)

Answer 2

• population growth: large populations will increase water demand (e.g. India)
• population density: higher density means greater pressure on resources
• urbanisation: cities require very large amounts
• living standards: higher living standards lead to higher water usage (e.g. USA)

Question 3

Cultural factors affecting water security (4)

Answer 3

• water conservation: prioritisation
• consumerism: high levels increase water consumption
• traditional agriculture: may use water inefficiently
• cultural cultural attitudes towards water pollution

Question 4

Economic factors affecting water security (3)

Answer 4

• economic development: industrial activities require significant water resources
• investment in infrastructure: investment into well-developed water management systems
• agricultural needs: agriculture is major water consumer (e.g. Egypt)

Question 5

Political factors affecting water security (3)

Answer 5

• governmental policies: regulations affect distribution and quality (e.g. South Africa National Water Act - equitable water access)
• international agreements: transboundary water management through cooperation (e.g. Nile Basin Initiative)
• conflict and stability

Question 6

Geographic factors affecting water security (3)

Answer 6

• geographic location: some regions are abundant in water, others like arid regions have limited availability
• climate: high levels of precipitation
• topography: mountanious regions often have better access to fresh water

Question 7

Strategies used to increase fresh water supplies (name 3)

Answer 7

• constructing dams and reservoirs
• rainwater catchment systems
• desalination plants
• enhancement of natural wetlands
• water recycling and reuse
• artificial recharge of aquifers
• redistribution

Question 8

Explain (using an example) how constructing dams and reservoirs can be used to increase fresh water supply

Answer 8

Structure built to store water regulate flow and prevent floods - help store water during periods of high rainfall for use during dry seasons
* Hoover Dam in USA creates Lake Mead - supplying water to several states and generating hydroelectric power

Question 9

Explain (using an example) how desalination plants can be used to increase fresh water supply

Answer 9

Removing salt and minerals from seawater to produce freshwater using methods like reverse osmosis
* Jebel Ali Desalination Plant in Dubai provides significant portion of city’s water supply

Question 10

Explain (using an example) how the enhancement of natural wetlands can be used to increase fresh water supply

Answer 10

Improving wetlands to act as natural filters, removing pollutants and aiding groundwater recharge
* Everglades in Florida, USA are being restored to enhance water flow and quality

Question 11

Wetlands

Answer 11

Large land area covered in swamp or marsh with high water saturation

Question 12

Water surplus

Answer 12

When the supply of water is greater than the demand

Question 13

Water deficit

Answer 13

When the demand for water is greater than the supply

Question 14

Water scarcity

Answer 14

When supply of water is below 1000 cubic metres a year per person
* around 450 million people in LICs experience shortage
* 1.2 billion live in areas of water scarcity

Question 15

Physical water scarcity

Answer 15

When demand for water outstrips supply, often due to arid climate and low rainfall

Question 16

Economic water scarcity

Answer 16

Where water is available but people can’t afford it or the infrastructure is inadequate

Question 17

Domestic water conservation techniques (name 3)

Answer 17

• metering: monitor and control water usage - track household consumption
• rationing: limits - can involve quotes or tariffs
• grey-water recycling: capture and treat used water for reuse in non-potable applications
• low-flush toiler: low-flow mechanisms to reduce water usage
• rainwater harvesting: collect and store rainwater

Question 18

Industrial water coservation techniques (name 2)

Answer 18

• greenhouses: equipped with large-scale rainwater harvesting systems to irrigate
• aquaponics systems: combine aquaculture with hydroponic plant cultivation
• drip irrigation: deliver water directly to the roots of the crop plants - minimise evaporation and surface run-off
• drought-resistant crops: develop and cultivate - require less water to grow and suited for arid regions
• switching to vegetarian food products