managing the UK’s water supply P2

• Why are areas with good water supply and highest water demand not the same in the UK?

  Rainfall and population density are unevenly distributed
• What part of the UK generally has high areas of rainfall, resulting in a water surplus?

  The north and west
• What areas of the UK have high population densities and a higher demand for water?

  The southeast and Midlands
• What has happened to household water volume in the UK since 1975?

  Increased by 75 percent
• Why has household water volume in the UK increased since 1975?

  Increased use of dishwashers and washing machines
• By how much is the population of the UK expected to increase by 2040?

  Over 6 million
• Where are there plans to build lots of new homes in the UK, causing concern for water availability?

  In the south east
• How does polluted or low-quality water affect water availability?

  Reduces the amount available to use
• What are two major pollutants that enter rivers and groundwater from crop fertilizers?

  Nitrates and phosphates
• What is the name of the process where nitrates and phosphates from crop fertilizers are washed into rivers?

  Eutrophication
• What is a solution for addressing demand and supply issues of water in the UK?

  Water transfers
• How do water transfers address water demand and supply issues?

  Transfer water from surplus to deficit areas
• Where is water transferred from to Birmingham in the UK?

  Wales
• What is one of the issues with building dams and aqueducts for water transfers?

  They are too expensive to build
• What is a negative consequence of water transfers on the environment?

  Affects wildlife that live in rivers
• Why might there be political issues with transferring water to another area?

  People might not want their water transferred