Water Cycle (Enquiry Question 3)

Economic water

scarcity People cannot afford water, even when it's available

Fracking

Hydraulic fracturing whereby rock is fractured by a pressurised liquid

Grey water

Recycled water, usually from waste bath, sink or washing water

Hydroponics

A method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions without soil

Irrigation

The artificial watering of crops

IWRM

Integrated Water Resource Management, a system which promotes the coordinated development of water resources in an equitable manner

Nimbyism

Not in my backyard' people protesting about developments which they see as detrimental to their own neighbourhood

Physical water scarcity

Insufficient water to meet demand; where more than 75% of blue water flows are being used

Players

Individuals groups or organisations with an involvement or interest in a particular issue

Privatisation

The transfer of state or government assets into ownership by private individuals, companies or shareholders

Structural Adjustment Programmes

Policies imposed by the IMF and World Bank which forced the state to play a reduced part in the economy and social welfare, in return for loans

Sustainable water

Clean, safe water should be available, accessible and affordable for present and future generations

Water insecurity

Where present and future supplies cannot be guaranteed

Water Poverty Index

An assessment of the degree of water shortage and the subsequent water insecurity problems - it has 5 components