Water

• What is a water surplus?

  A water surlpus is an area that has more water than is needed by its population
• What areas in the UK have a water surplus?

  The north and west of the UK because they receive more rainfall
• What areas of the UK are in water shortage?

  The south and east- water demand can exceed the supply
• The demand for water has increased by 70% since 1985
• Why has the demand for water in the UK increased?


  -The population has increased

  -Personal habits have changed, people shower more

  -People are wealthier and have more water intensive machines

  -Farms use more water as irriigation systems improve and consumers demand more out of season foods

  -Industrial uses of water has increased-using water to produce electricity
• How does the UK combat water supply isues?

  By having serveral water transfer schemes to move water from areas of surplus to areas of demand
• What are the 4 main sources of water pollution in the UK?

  -Agricultrual runoff water- this picks up chemicals and pesticides which end up in our lakes and rivers

  -Historical wastes-Water running through old mines and industrial sites which can pick up hazardous heavy metals

  -Runoff from roads- salt used to grit the road and oils from cars can end up in lakes and rivers

  -Sewage waste
• How does poor water quality effect the UK?

  -It can poison our water supply which is essential to human life

  -Eutrophication can occur- this is where fertilisers washed into our rivers and lakes encourage algae to grow which straves other life of oxygen

  -Sewage contain bacteria and can cause disease

  -Heavy metals and toxin can poison wildlife-this can end up in humans in a process called bioaccumulation

  -insects and animals can be killed, affecting our food chains
• How does the UK Government aim to combat water pollution?

  -Education(running campaigns and show them how to save water and what not to dispose of into tolites)

  -Laws & Legislations- Make sure farms and industries dont pollute our water.
• What are tthe 2 physical factors that affect water supply?

  -Climate- most places rely on rainfall but climate change is causing places to get drier and increasing risks of droughts

  -Geolgy- water is harder to get when rain falls on permeable rocks like sandstone and forms underground water stores(aquifers)
• Give 4 ways to increase water supply

  -Building dams & Reservoirs- during times of water surplus the damns can be filled and released to areas of water deficit

  -Water diversion

  -Water tranfer

  -Desalination- removing salt from sea water so it can be used.
• Give 6 ways we can conserve water

  -Fixing leaks-20% of water in the UK is lost to leaks

  -Fitting dual-flush toilets which can save up to 3.5 litres every flush

  -Buying efficient water using machines like dishwashers

  -Irrigating farmland

  -Using water meters

  -Education