(W) Water Transfer Schemes - Kielder Water

Question 1

Why is fresh water a problem in the east and south-east of England? (3)

Answer 1

• a lack/not enough river and reservoirs to support the growing population (from 61.4 mill in 2008 to 780 mill by 2050)
• a high population density means lots of water is needed for a smaller area
• the south-east has a warmer climate, resulting in more evaporation from water stores, making it more difficult to meet demand

Question 2

problems caused by water shortages in the UK (3)

Answer 2

• not enough water for agriculture, so food production declines and farmers lose money
• people can’t drink enough water, causing health problems
• lack of water for industrial use, so jobs decline and people lose money

Question 3

why was the scheme introduced?

Answer 3

demand for the water was expected to be high due to increasing industry, but it declined instead

Question 4

water transfer scheme

Answer 4

when water is transferred from one area to another

Question 5

which rivers is water from Kielder reservoir released into and why?

Answer 5

Rivers Tyne, Derwent, Wear and Tees to maintain flows

Question 6

social advantages (3)

Answer 6

• 1/4 million people visit each year, bringing jobs and tourism
• a range of tourism opportunities have been created, such as fishing and canoeing
• Kielder forest employs up to 260 employees

Question 7

social disadvantages (3)

Answer 7

• 58 families were displaced from their homes by the dam
• jobs were lost when farmland was lost, leaving people without a way to earn income
• 2,700 acres of farmland and habitat was lost as a result of the dam

Question 8

economic advantages (3)

Answer 8

• a hydro-electric power station using the water from Kielder reservoir generates 6MW, enough energy to power 4000 homes
• £6 million is raised through tourism each year, which can be used to improve the area
• jobs were made available due to the construction and maintenance of the dam wall, and the forestry around the reservoir

Question 9

economic disadvantages (2)

Answer 9

• the price of living in the area increases due to the area becoming more desireable
• locals have to pay more for convenience goods due to the elevated prices

Question 10

environmental advantages (4)

Answer 10

• the dam can act as a flood prevention measure
• the lake stores 200,000 million litres of water, which is useful during water shortages
• the area around the dam includes 8 sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) that contain unique wildlife
• habitats are protected for animals such as ospreys and red squirrels, which are declining in number

Question 11

environmental disadvantages (3)

Answer 11

• the dam flooded an area of scenic natural beauty
• the reduced flow of water from the river changes the landscape, which negatively affects wildlife
• the dam holds back sediment, including gravel, which reduces habitats for fish and other animals

Question 12

facilities in the area (6)

Answer 12

• mountain biking and trails
• schools and youth groups can use the area for recreation
• all terrain path for 40km around the reservoir
• activities for the disabled provided
• caravan sites, youth hostels, hotels
• hilltop observatory and sculture trail

Question 13

environmental facts (3)

Answer 13

• the Forestry commission ensures woodland is extracted sustainably
• it is one of the last places in England where red squirrels live
• the Arctic Char is bred there, which is a species in decline

Question 14

Describe the location of Kielder reservoir

Answer 14

the north-east of England

in Northumberland county