water

• What percentage of global water is saline?

  97%
• What percentage of global water is fresh water suitable for human consumption?

  3%
• How much of the fresh water is locked up in glaciers and ice caps?

  2%
• What percentage of fresh water is available for human use?

  1%
• Where are places typically lacking water located?

  Near the Equator, especially North Africa
• Which countries have the greatest fresh water availability per person?

  Canada and Iceland
• What is the difference between water surplus and water deficit?

  • Water surplus: More water received than lost
  • Water deficit: Less water received than lost
• Why are global water supplies unevenly distributed?

  Due to variations in rainfall and evaporation
• Which region has less water per person than Spain?

  Southern England
• How has water supply and demand changed in the past 50 years?

  • Increased due to human intervention
  • Changing global patterns in water use
• Which developing region experienced the biggest increase in water use from 1900?

  Asia
• What trend did North America and Europe experience in water use since 1980?

  Stable rate of increase
• What has been the trend in water consumption in Africa and South America since the 1970s?

  Gradually increased water consumption
• Which continent has the lowest water consumption?

  Oceania
• What are the reasons for increased water use as a country develops?

  1. Greater mechanisation in industry
  2. More labour-saving devices
  3. Increased personal hygiene
  4. More leisure and tourism activities
• How much water does a washing machine use per wash?

  80 litres
• How much water does a dishwasher use per wash?

  35 litres
• What are the differences in agricultural water usage between developed and developing countries?

  • Developed: Drip feed sprinklers, automated systems
  • Developing: Ineffective irrigation, hand pumps
• How does domestic water usage differ between developed and developing countries?

  • Developed: Piped water, high usage
  • Developing: Communal taps, bathing in rivers
• What are the industrial water usage patterns in developed and developing countries?

  • Developed: High water use for cooling
  • Developing: Low water use in small-scale industries
• What is the average water consumption per person in developed countries?

  1200 m³ per year
• What is the average water consumption per person in developing countries?

  400 m³ per year
• What are the key reasons for water supply problems in the UK?

  1. Ageing infrastructure
  2. Seasonal imbalance
  3. Rainfall imbalance
• What issue does ageing infrastructure cause in the UK?

  Old pipes can't cope with higher pressures
• How does seasonal imbalance affect water supply in the UK?

  Greater differences in summer and winter rainfall
• What is the impact of rainfall imbalance in the UK?

  Higher rainfall in upland areas
• What are the water supply problems faced by emerging or developing countries?

  • Access to untreated water
  • Pollution of watercourses
  • Low annual rainfall
• How many people lack access to safe water globally?

  663 million
• What are the consequences of drinking polluted water?

  Causes waterborne diseases and parasites
• How many people die daily from diarrhoea due to unsafe water?

  2000 people
• What causes water pollution in developing countries?

  • Poor farming practices
  • Mining activities
  • Lack of sanitation and education
• What factors contribute to low annual rainfall in certain countries?

  Climate change and seasonal variations
• What are the attitudes towards water exploitation in Las Vegas?

  • Individuals: Change consumption habits
  • Organisations: Sustainable practices
  • Government: Proactive water management
• What is the purpose of desalination?

  To remove salt from seawater
• What are the advantages of desalination?

  • Plentiful supply of saltwater
  • Lessens demand on groundwater
• Why is sustainable management of water resources necessary?

  • Water is fundamental to life
  • Prevents future resource depletion
• What is the definition of sustainable management?

  Meeting present needs without compromising future resources
• What are the different stakeholder attitudes towards water supply projects in Las Vegas?

  • Resident: Concern about rising prices
  • Business owner: Supports tourism growth
  • Government official: Focus on sustainability
  • Environmentalist: Concern for ecosystems
  • Farmer: Needs groundwater for crops
• How does the UK manage its water resources sustainably?

  • Treating wastewater for reuse
  • Installing water meters
  • Educating on water conservation
• What sustainable practices has the UK government implemented?

  • Promoting water-efficient homes
  • Supporting 'water neutral' development