5.9 There are different approaches to managing water supply, some more sustainable than others. Flashcards
Water transfer schemes are briefly -
The diversion of water from one drainage basin to the other. By diverting the river itself or by constructing a large cannel.
Water transfer schemes (China’s South-North transfer project) what are the issues with water resources with the south and north?
South is rich in water resources and the north is not.
China’s South-North transfer project - When, how long and cost?
Began in 2003 expected to take 50 years and costs US $100 billion. It involves building 3 canals about 1700km in length.
Involves 60% of the government and the remaining 40% from local governments.
How much water is being transferred from South - North China?
44.8 billion cubic metres of water per year.
A problem with the South-North China project (environment and ecological activities) -
The Yangtze river is already severely polluted and therefore and the water is undrinkable, and some experts predict a ecological disaster, leading to widespread environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity.
Mega dams in China along the Yangtze river, good example is?
The three Gorges Dam.
What does the three Gorges Dam offer?
- Offers flood control as the Yangtze river it is located on is prone to flooding so it can mitigate these problems by providing flood storage capacity and reducing downstream flood patterns, also a good source of HEP which is a clean renewable energy source and allows it to meet China’s growing energy demands. Generates 22,500 megawatts
How many megawatts does the three Gorges Dam produce?
22,500
Social disruptions are they disrupt local cultures and displacement of people, how many?
1.3 million
Desalinisation -
Draws supplies from the ocean while removing salts and other minerals making it safe to drink.
Which countries are engaging in building projects involving desalinisation?
France, Italy and South Korea as examples.
Perth, located in Western Australia - costing
Initially, the plant had a capacity of 45 billion litres (11.9 billion gallons) per year, later expanded to 100 billion litres (26.4 billion gallons) per year.
Benefits of the desalinisation programme in Australia Perth?
The desalination plant provides a reliable water source even during droughts, ensuring water security for Perth’s residents.
How much does the desalinisation plant contribute of drinking water?
The plant contributes about 17% of Perth’s water supply, producing up to 140 million liters (37 million gallons) of drinking water per day.
Desalinisation consumption needed energy production?
Desalination requires significant energy input. For the Perth plant, it’s estimated to consume around 3.8 kWh per cubic meter of water produced.
Water conservation may involve which countries?
Singapore, China and Australia and Uganda.
Singapore management schemes -
Receives abundant rainfall, due to climate and humidity it experiences high evaporation lost and due to its limited land it is considered as a water scarce area. National water agency has compromised areas with local catchments of water and recycled water, it involves collecting water through a series of drains, canals and rivers, before it is treated and used to supply drinking water, agreement with Malaysia until 2061.
Smart irrigation in China and Australia -
Provides crops with a suboptimal water supply, causing mild stress during growth stages that are less sensitive to moisture deficiency, found to conserve water without too much significant reduction in crop yield, a 6 year study of China showed water savings of 25%.
Integrated drainage basin management -
Aims to establish a framework for coordination whereby all administrators and stakeholders in river basin planning and management come together to develop an agree a set of policies and strategies, aims to achieve a balanced and mutually acceptable approach to land, water and natural resources.
The UNECE water convention -
Promotes joint water management and conservation of shared favoured ecosystems, it offers guidelines on the protection and use of transboundary rivers such as the River Nile.
