geography assessment part B Flashcards
list five ways you use water in your everyday life
- cooking
- drinking water
- laundry
- showering
- flushing the toilet
what is high water usage
High water usage means doing activities requiring using more water than usual
what are some examples of high water usage
taking long showers, leaving taps running, watering your garden with a hose
what is low water usage
Low water usage means using less water than usual by doing things like taking short showers, turning off taps when not needed, and fixing leaks.
what are some examples of low water usage
brushing teeth, cooking, drinking food
what is water scarcity?
a lack of sufficient/fresh water
why is water scarcity an issue?
when water runs dry, people cant get enough to drink, wash, or water crops & due to this economic decline may occur
what is the difference between water scarcity & water stress
water scarcity is about not having enough water, while water stress is about struggling to meet demand even if water is available.
causes of water scarcity
cross contamination/pollution
what is physical water scarcity
physical water scarcity happens when there is not enough water available to meet the needs of people, plants, and animals in a region. usually due to low rainfall, droughts, or overuse of water from rivers, lakes, and underground sources.
what is economic water scarcity
economic water scarcity happens when there is enough water available, but people can’t access it because of a lack of money, infrastructure, or good management.
what is social water scarcity
Social water scarcity means that even if there is enough water in an area, some people still can’t get clean water because of problems like unfair distribution, poverty, or bad management; water isnt shared properly
list 5 possible situations you can use to manage water @ home
-limit showers
-dont leave tap water (running) open
-recycling water
-store rain water
-using watering cans
what is domestic (household) water scarcity
happens when a family or household doesn’t have enough clean water at home for drinking, cooking, or bathing. It could be because their house is far from a water source, they can’t afford it, or their pipes don’t work properly.
what is local (council) water scarcity
happens in a town or community when there isn’t enough water for everyone. Maybe the rivers and lakes are drying up, or too many people are using the same water supply. This can cause problems for schools, farms, and businesses.
what is government (higher-ups) water scarcity
Sometimes, a country has enough water, but the government doesn’t manage it well. Maybe they don’t build enough water pipes or they allow companies to take too much water, leaving less for the people. This makes it hard for everyone to get the water they need.
what is an aquifer
An aquifer is an underground layer of rock or soil that holds water, like a natural storage tank, which people can use by digging wells.
what is a renewable resource
a resource that can be replaced in a short period of time (e.g solar energy, wind, water)
is water considered a renewable or non-renewable resource ?
the Earth’s water constantly moves through the water cycle, which involves evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff. this cycle allows for the continuous replenishment of water resources, making water a renewable resource.
what is a non-renewable resources
resources that cannot be replaced and takes millions of years to form again
(e.g fossil fuels, metals & minerals, nuclear energy)
what is the importance of water management?
water management at home is important because it saves money, conserves a precious resource, protects the environment, reduces energy use, and teaches responsibility.
list some sustainable water management strategies at a personal and household level
personal level
-turn off taps
-Take shorter showers
-Reuse water
-Use a bucket for washing – Instead of a hose, use a bucket for tasks like washing your bike or pet.
-Report leaks
household level
-Fix leaks promptly
-Install water-saving appliances
-Collect rainwater
-Water plants wisely
what is water stress
Water stress happens when the demand for clean water is higher than the available supply, making it hard for people, animals, and plants to get enough water for daily needs.
what is greywater?
Greywater is used water from sinks, showers, bathtubs, and washing machines that can be recycled for things like watering plants or flushing toilets instead of being wasted.
why are desalination plants not a reliable option for water cleaning
-utilises alot of energy
-expensive
-produces byproduct called brime which is harmful for marine life & environment
what is the process of desalination
Intake – Seawater is pumped into the desalination plant.
Filtration – Large particles and debris are removed from the water.
Reverse Osmosis – The water is pushed through a special membrane that filters out the salt and smaller impurities.
Post-treatment – The water is treated further to add minerals back in for taste and health benefits.
Distribution – The clean, drinkable water is then sent to homes, businesses, or industries.
