4.2 Access to Freshwater

Question 1

Explain the term “water scarcity”

Answer 1

Water scarcity can be defined as a lack of sufficient water, or not having access to safe water supplies.

Question 2

increasing demand for freshwater

Answer 2

As global population grows, irrigation expands, and industrialization intensifies, the demand for fresh water is rapidly increasing. This trend puts significant pressure on existing water resources and infrastructure.

Question 3

population growth and water scarcity

Answer 3

• As global population grows, the demand for fresh water is rapidly increasing. This trend puts significant pressure on existing water resources and infrastructure.
• Agriculture accounts for about 70% of global freshwater withdrawals. As food demand rises, so does the need for irrigation water.
• Industries require substantial amounts of water for manufacturing processes, cooling, and waste disposal. As countries industrialize, their water consumption typically increases. (it takes about 10,000 liters of water to produce a single pair of jeans.)

Question 4

increasing freshwater supplies RES

Answer 4

Reservoirs:
Large dams and reservoirs can store water during wet periods for use during dry seasons or droughts. However, they often come with significant environmental and social costs.

Question 5

increasing freshwater supply RED

Answer 5

Redistribution
Water can be transferred from water-rich regions to water-scarce areas through canals, pipelines, or even tanker ships.

Question 6

increasing freshwater supply RED Case Study

Answer 6

The South-North Water Transfer Project in China aims to divert 44.8 billion cubic meters of water annually from the Yangtze River in southern China to the more arid northern regions.

Question 7

increasing freshwater supply D

Answer 7

Converting seawater into freshwater through processes like reverse osmosis can provide a reliable water source for coastal areas, albeit at high energy and financial costs.

Question 8

increasing freshwater supply D Case Study

Answer 8

In Dubai, the Jebel Ali Power and Desalination Complex — the largest facility of its kind in the world — pipes water from the sea, sending it through a series of treatment phases, then to the city as drinkable water

Question 9

increasing freshwater supply A

Answer 9

Aquifers
Excess surface water can be deliberately injected into aquifers to replenish groundwater supplies and prevent saltwater intrusion.

Question 10

increasing freshwater supply RH

Answer 10

Collecting and storing rainwater for later use can be an effective strategy, especially in areas with seasonal rainfall patterns.

• Simple rainwater harvesting systems can be implemented at the household level, providing a supplementary water source for non-potable uses like gardening and toilet flushing.

Question 11

water conservation and demand management

Answer 11

Reducing water demand through conservation measures is often more cost-effective than increasing supply. Key strategies include:

• Improving irrigation efficiency in agriculture
• Implementing water-saving technologies in industries
• Promoting water-efficient appliances and fixtures in households
• Repairing leaks in water distribution systems
  Grey-water recycling for non-potable uses

Question 12

water scarcity and conflict - explanation

Answer 12

As water resources become scarcer, the potential for conflict between human populations increases, particularly where water sources are shared across political boundaries.

Question 13

water scarcity and conflict

Answer 13

The Nile Basin water conflict involves competing demands among the countries sharing the Nile River, particularly Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. The river flows through 11 countries and serves as a vital water source for the region. Egypt and Sudan have historically relied heavily on the river, with Egypt claiming a majority of the water through colonial-era agreements that excluded upstream countries. Ethiopia, where the Blue Nile originates, seeks to use the water for development, especially through the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). This has caused tension, as Egypt fears it will reduce downstream water flow. Efforts to mediate the conflict have included negotiations and the involvement of international organizations, but an agreement balancing equitable water use and economic needs with environmental sustainability remains elusive. The conflict underscores challenges in managing shared water resources amid growing populations, development pressures, and climate variability​​.

Question 14

factors contributing to water conflicts

Answer 14

• Unequal distribution of water resources
• Increasing water demand due to population growth and economic development
• Climate change impacts on water availability
• Lack of cooperative management frameworks
• Historical and political tensions between nations