Detailed revision/study notes on the entire of EQ3 Water. Includes Edexcel Geography A level Specification with detailed notes to match. Also includes case study details.
Geography Consolidation 5.7
THERE ARE PHYSICAL CAUSES AND HUMAN CAUSES OF WATER INSECURITY
A. The growing mismatch between water supply and demand has led to a global pattern of
water stress and scarcity
- Water Stress - Below 1700m3 of water per person
- Water Scarcity - Below 1000m3 of water per person
- Water Security : Having safe sustainable access of clean water to meet the needs of the
population
- Overall water insecurity brings large risks and there is a growing need for management of water
supplies to reduce the risk of water insecurity
- There is a growing mismatch between water supply and demand
- The overall situation is being exacerbated by global warming and climate change
- Much of East Africa and India are experiencing water stress
B. The causes of water insecurity are physical as well as human
- Physical: Physical factors include :
- climate variability
- salt water encroachment
- Evaporation and Evapotranspiration
- Discharge into the Sea
- Case Study - Salt Water Encroachment : Pacific Islands - porous rock allows saltwater to
seep through as sea levels are rising, Significant effect on agriculture - population growth
- Human: Human factors include :
- Over abstraction from rivers, lakes and groundwater aquifers
- Water contamination from agriculture
- Industrial water insecurity
- Case Study - Pollution - Zimbabwe - worst drought in 25 years as a result of El Nino, lots
of pollution from urban areas and mining areas, illegal gold panning uses serious chemicals -
knock on effects to ecosystem and economic situation
- Deforestation - Meat Industry in Brazil
C. The finite water resources face pressure from rising demand which is increasingly
serious in some locations and is leading to increasing risk of water insecurity
- Rising Demand - As a result of :
- Population Growth: more people who require more water
- Economic Development: increases demand for water - agriculture, industry, energy and
services
- Rising Living Standards: more drinking, cooking, bathing and cleaning as well as more
extravagant things - swimming, washing machines and dishwashers
- Supply is Falling:
- Fresh water is limited
- pollution decreases fresh water available
- ecosystem services are reducing
- climate change
- lots of water lost in leaks
- Japan and China - both densely populated areas
- Sahel - water stress from lack of water resources
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