Water supply and demand for water in the UK

• What is the water supply situation in the UK?

  Highly variable in supply and demand
• Where does most rainfall in the UK occur?

  In the North and West regions
• What characterizes water surplus areas in the UK?

  More water than needed by the population
• What characterizes the South East of the UK?

  It is a water shortage area
• Why does the North and West receive more rainfall?

  Prevailing winds bring moist air from the South West
• What happens to moist air when it rises over hills?

  It cools, condenses, and forms rain
• What is the average daily water usage per person in the UK?

  • 175 litres per day
• How much water do people in Bangladesh use daily on average?

  83 litres per day
• What percentage of drinkable water in the UK is actually consumed?

  4 percent
• What has caused a 70% increase in water demand in the UK since 1985?

  Population growth and changing personal habits
• How have personal habits changed regarding water use?

  More frequent showers instead of baths
• Why do people use more water-intensive machines now?

  Increased wealth allows for more appliances
• What has increased farm water usage in the UK?

  Improved irrigation systems and consumer demand
• What industrial uses of water have increased in the UK?

  Water for producing electricity and manufacturing
• What does it mean for an area to be under water stress?

  It suffers from severe water shortages
• What measures are taken during water stress periods in the UK?

  Hosepipe bans and standpipes in streets
• What are water transfer schemes in the UK?

  • Systems to move water from surplus to demand areas
  • Involves canals, pipes, and dredging
  • Aims to address water shortages
• How far does the proposed water transfer scheme from Kielder Water to London extend?

  Over 350 miles
• What is the importance of water quality in transfer schemes?

  It ensures safe and clean water supply
• How is water quality measured?

  By chemical, physical, and biological content
• What percentage of UK water meets EU quality standards?

  27 percent
• What are common sources of water pollution in the UK?

  Agricultural runoff, historical wastes, and sewage
• What is eutrophication?

  Excessive plant growth due to fertilizers
• How can poor water quality affect human life?

  It can poison water supplies essential for life
• What is bioaccumulation?

  Accumulation of toxins in the food chain
• What actions does the UK government take to combat water pollution?

  Education, laws, treatment, and improving water courses
• What was reduced in laundry detergent to combat eutrophication?

  The amount of phosphates allowed
• What is one way the government educates the public about water use?

  Campaigns to reduce water wastage
• What is the purpose of investing in treatment plants?

  To clean water and ensure supply
• What innovative scheme is mentioned for improving water quality?

  The Tees Barrier for pollution traps