4.2 Access to Fresh Water

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?

1. Competition over limited resources

2. Transboundary water disputes

3. Environmental degradation

4. 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