A3 - The varying power of different actors in relation to water management issues

Physical water scarcity

When there is not enough natural water supply in a region due to low rainfall or high evaporation

Economic water scarcity

When water is available but people cannot access it due to lack of infrastructure, money, or technology

Drought

A prolonged period of below-average rainfall leading to water shortages

Causes of drought

Low rainfall, climate variability, El Niño, high temperatures increasing evaporation, and climate change

Impacts of drought on people

Water shortages, crop failure, food insecurity, migration, and health problems

Impacts of drought on environments

Dry soils, desertification, reduced river flow, loss of biodiversity

Water quantity

The amount of water available in a system

Water quality

How clean or polluted the water is for use by humans and ecosystems

Eutrophication

Excess nutrients (nitrates/phosphates) entering water, causing algal blooms and oxygen depletion

Agriculture and eutrophication

Fertilisers from farms wash into rivers and lakes, increasing nutrient levels and causing algal growth

Algal bloom

Rapid growth of algae that blocks sunlight and reduces oxygen in water

Dead zones

Areas of water with very low oxygen where aquatic life cannot survive

Salinization

Build-up of salts in soil caused by irrigation in hot climates with high evaporation

Irrigation and salinization

Water evaporates from irrigated fields, leaving salts behind and reducing soil fertility

Environmental impacts of farming on water systems

Pollution, reduced water quality, eutrophication, salinization, and ecosystem damage

Water management

The control and distribution of water resources to meet human and environmental needs

Actors in water management

Governments, farmers, international organisations, and local communities that influence water use and policy

Power of actors

Different groups have different levels of influence over water access, quality, and distribution

10 second summary

Physical scarcity = not enough water, Economic scarcity = cannot access water, Agriculture can reduce water quality (eutrophication + salinization), Different actors control how water is used and managed