Lesotho Flashcards
(19 cards)
METHOD OF WATER SUPPLY
reservoir- stores water for agriculture, hydropower, water consumption
Dam- for drinking, irrigation, HEP etc
Wells and boreholes- drilled into the ground to access groundwater- boreholes are used when wells are not deep enough water is pumped from underground aquifers and often used in isolated areas limited access to surface water
Desalination the process of removing salt and other impurities from sea water by reverse osmosis and distillation
Advantages of reservoirs and dams
Reliable source of water
HEP (renewable)
flood control
Disadvantages of reservoirs and dams
Expensive
displacement of people and wildlife
may alter ecosystems
advantages of wells and boreholes
Low cost
naturally filtered fresh water
Disadvantages of wells and boreholes
Limited to areas with adequate groundwater supplies
overuse can lead to depletion as local aquifers causing subsidence or salt water intrusion
Disadvantages of desalination
Expensive
high energy consumption (less sustainable)
producers brine waste which can harm marine ecosystems
problems of lesotho
Frequent dry spells droughts food shortages famine
developing of government and politics
one of the 20% worst countries for wealth inequality profit from diamond mining versus unemployment and poverty
Lesotho highland water project
In 2004 government decided to trade surplus water with South Africa to improve economy and development
40% water from river segu will transfer to Vaal river which supplies Johannesburg
involving large construction of dams reservoirs pipelines ETC will take 30 years
Advantages for Lesotho
Largest transfer scheme in Africa boosting lesotho’s economy by 75%
provides HEP
improves infrastructure
Disadvantages for Lesotho
30,000 local residents forced out of homes to build dams and reservoirs
destroying of wetlands may damage natural water cycle
advantages for South africa
Water can be bought for johannesburg’s population stopping dehydration and improving sanitation
clean water counteracting pollution and sewage
Disadvantages for South Africa
Rights for paying for water? (water is essential)
may be inequality and corruption so the poorest families may not afford clean water
Water Surplus
when water suppliers greater than the demand
Water deficit
When water demand is greater than supply
Water security
Reliable of availability of an acceptable quantity and quality of water for health livelihoods and production
Water insecurity
When water availability is not enough to ensure the population of an area enjoys good health livelihood and earnings this can be caused by water insufficiency or poor water quality
Physical water scarcity
Not enough water due to natural factors such as climate
Water stress
When the demand for water exceeds the available amount during a certain period or when poor quality restricts the use
economic water scarcity
Areas that have water but don’t have the money to access it
