What are the factors that contribute to the access to fresh water?
Geographic location
Climate
Topography
Population density
Water management and infrastructure
Economic development
Political stability and governance
Describe geographic location
Some regions naturally contain abundant freshwater resources due to proximity to large rivers, lakes or high rainfall
Others, like arid/semi-arid regions, naturally have limited water availability
Describe climate
Areas with high levels of precipitation, such as tropical rainforests/coastal regions have better access to freshwater compared to arid/deserts with low rainfall
Describe topography
Mountainous regions have better access to freshwater due to higher precipitation rates, presence of glaciers and snowpack that act as natural reservoirs
Flat / low-lying areas - challenges in water availability
Describe population density
Higher population densities = greater pressure on water resources
Increased water demand for domestic, agricultural, and insulation purposes can strain supplies = water scarcity
Describe water management and infrastructure
Well-developed water management systems (reservoirs, dams, canals, pipelines) can enhance water availability and distribution
Inadequate infrastructure limits access to freshwater - especially in rural/underdeveloped areas
Describe economic development
Wealthier nations = greater financial resources to invest in water infrastructure and management = better access to freshwater
Poorer countries lack means to develop and maintain robust water systems
Describe political stability and governance
Politicial stability and effective governance play a vital role in water management and equitable distribution
Political instability and weak governance struggle to provide access of freshwater for populations
What are the key problems facing freshwater access?
Impacts of climate change
Increasing population, irrigation and industrialisation
Contamination
Unsustainable abstraction
Describe how climate change can impact freshwater access
Disrupts rainfall patterns, leading to increased variability and unpredictability in precipitation
More frequent, severe droughts and floods → impacts availability of freshwater resources
Rising temperatures can accelerate evaporation rates, reducing water-stressed regions
Melting glaciers and reduced snowpack in mountainous areas affect timing and magnitude of water flow in rivers → water scarcity in dry seasons
Sea-level rise → saltwater intrusion → contamination of freshwater sources so unsuitable for human consumption and agriculture
Describe how access to fresh water in developing countries poses a problem to its access
Increasing global population, expanding agriculture and industrial activities puts pressure on freshwater resources
As population grows, demand for food production grows → extensive irrigation → strains water supplies as large amounts of water are diverted for agricultural purposes
Industrialisation demands water for manufacturing processes, energy production and cooling purposes
Growth of industry increases competition for freshwater
Describe how contamination affects access to freshwater
Contamination due to industrial discharges, agricultural runoff containing fertilisers and pesticides and improper waste disposal
Pollution from industrial chemicals, heavy metals, sewage = water sources unsafe for consumption and harm ecosystems
Contamination of freshwater bodies makes water treatments challenging and costly → reduces availability of clean, safe drinking water
Describe how unsustainable abstraction affects access to freshwater
Over-extraction of groundwater through wells and boreholes → declining water tables, depletion of aquifers, land subsidence
Surface water bodies are over-allocated for abstraction → reduced flows and ecological degradation
Lack of proper regulation and monitoring of water abstraction can increase water scarcity
Define unsustainable abstraction
Excessive withdrawal of water from freshwater sources without allowing sufficient time for replenishment
Why do freshwater conflicts occur?
Competition over limited resources
Transboundary water disputes
Environmental degradation
Climate change and drought
Describe competition over limited resources
Scarcity of water creates competition among populations dependent on same water source likes rivers, lakes, groundwater reservoirs
e.g. Nile River basin shared by multiple African countries has experienced conflicts over water allocation due to increased demand for agriculture, hydropower, domestic use
Describe transboundary water disputes
Disagreements over management and allocation can escalate into conflicts when water resources cross national boundaries
Dispute between India and Pakistan over Indus River’s waters has led to tensions and political conflicts as they both rely on the river for agriculture and irrigation
Describe environmental degradation as a reason for freshwater conflict
Water scarcity results from over exploitation, pollution and environmental degradation
Shrinking of Aral Sea, caused by excessive irrigation and diversion of its tributaries led to conflicts between countries in region due to reduced water availability and economic impacts
Describe how climate change and drought cause conflict over freshwater access
Climate change increases water scarcity by altering precipitation patterns, leading to more frequent droughts, reducing water availability
Prolonged drought in Western US intensified conflicts between agricultural, industrial and urban sectors, highlighting challenges of managing scarce water resources
What are strategies used to enhance fresh water supplies?
Reservoirs
Redistribution
Desalination
Artificial recharge of aquifers
Rainwater harvesting
How do reservoirs enhance freshwater supplies?
Regulate water flow, ensuring a consistent supply for agriculture, industry and domestic use
Provide opportunities for hydropower generation
Contributes to renewable energy production
How does redistribution enhance freshwater supplies?
Canals and pipelines can transfer water from water-rich regions to areas experiencing scarcity
Helps balance supply and demand in densely populated or arid regions
How does desalination enhance freshwater supplies?
Reverse osmosis and distillation provide alternative water source in coastal regions with limited freshwater availability
How does the artificial recharge of aquifers enhance freshwater supplies?
Recharging aquifers helps recent groundwater depletion and maintains suitable supply of water for wells and springs
How does rainwater harvesting enhance freshwater supplies?
Collecting rainwater can be used for non-plate purposes like irrigation, toilet flushing, cleaning → reduces strain on freshwater sources
Mitigates storm water runoff, helping reduce flooding and erosion
What are the other 4 key considerations to take into account to manage freshwater supplies?
Conservation and efficient water use
Water recycling and re-use
Sustainable agricultural practices
Protecting ecosystems and natural water sources
Describe conservation and efficient water use as a strategy to manage freshwater supplies
Promoting water conservation practices (using water-efficient appliances, fixing leaks, adopting sustainable irrigation techniques) to reduce water wastage
Public awareness campaigns and education initiatives can encourage responsible water use
Describe how water recycling and re-use can manage fresh water supplies
Grey-water recycling and re-use systems to treat wastewater to safe level of non-potable purposes - irrigation, industrial processes, toilet flushing
Practice reduces freshwater demand, minimises pollution and maximises water resource utilisation
Water conservation and grey water recycling can reduce demand but need to change attitude by water consumers which takes long time and effort to achieve
How do sustainable agricultural practices help manage freshwater supplies?
Adopting sustainable agricultural practices (precise irrigation techniques, crop rotation, efficient fertiliser use) reduces water consumption and minimises runoff
How do protecting ecosystems and natural water sources help manage fresh water supplies?
Preserving and restoring natural ecosystems (wetlands, forests) helps maintain water quality, regulate water flow, support biodiversity
Establishing protected areas around water sources safeguards them from pollution and overuse