3.6 Case Study - Spain Water Supply Flashcards

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1
Q

Describe percipitation and climate in south-east Spain

A
  • The average precipitation in south-east Spain is approximately 365mm a year
    • Most precipitation occurs in winter
  • The area is one of the driest in Europe
  • Regular droughts mean the supply of water is further reduced
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2
Q

How does tourism increase the problem of water deficit in south-east Spain? (use statistics)

A
  • Water parks and golf courses use significant quantities of water
  • An average tourist uses between 450-800 litres per day whilst an average Spaniard uses 127 litres per day
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3
Q

Describe the Tagus-Segura Project

A
  • Completed in 1978
  • 60% of the water flowing into the Tagus is transferred using a 286 km long pipeline to connect Spanish river basins
  • The aim was to supply Alicante, Murcia and Cartagena in the south-east to reduce the water deficit
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4
Q

Issues with the Tagus-Segura Project (name 2)

A
  • Much of the water transferred went to the tourist and leisure users not to small scale farmers
  • Water consumption in the south-east increased due to an increase in supply
  • It is estimated that 15% of the transferred water is being illegally used by leisure users such as golf courses
  • Large commercial farms are benefitting more than small scale farmers
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5
Q

Describe the Ebro project

A

A second water transfer project was proposed in 2001 to transfer water from the River Ebro

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6
Q

Why was the Ebro project abandoned (name 2 reasons)

A
  • The failure and issues with the Tagus-Segura project
  • The cost
  • The threat to the Ebro delta as the scheme would have disrupted sediment flow to the delta
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7
Q

What water management technique does Spain currently use?

A

Desalinisation plants (factories)

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