Water - Conservation Strategies Flashcards
Why is Singapore considered water scarce?
Limited land + capital for storage
High evaporation
Poor groundwater reserves
How abundant is Singaporean rainfall?
2400mm per year
Significant rainfall
Which scheme has been implemented in Singapore to conserve + improve supply?
NEWater
Comprises local water, imports, recycled water + desalination
What is NEWater?
High grade recycled water
Treated + purified using membrane tech.
What are the advantages of Singapore’s conservation methods?
NEWater meets 30% of demand
2 desalination plants meet 25% demand
Efficient + sustainable
Recycling conserves blue water
What are the disadvantages of the Singaporean schemes?
Costs
Hasn’t reduced import reliance
Time
Bi-products of desalination
Which scheme has recently been implemented in China + Australia?
Smart irrigation
Crops receive sub-optimal supply during growth stages which are less sensitive to deficiencies
How has smart irrigation benefited China?
North China Plain showed 25% savings over 6 year study
Retained net profit
Yields remained acceptable
How has smart irrigation benefited Australia?
60% increased water productivity
Minimised evaporation losses
How has Uganda adapted its water conservation methods?
WaterAid contributions
Rainwater harvesting jars
What is the capacity of a typical Ugandan rain harvesting jar?
1500 litres
What are the advantages of Ugandan rain harvesting jars?
Attainable in developing world
Cheap + convenient
No need for water collection
More time spent at school + work
What are the disadvantages of Ugandan rain harvesting jars?
Contamination risk
Variable water quality
