water UK

• how is demand for water in the UK changing?

  • UK populations predicted to rise and new homes are being built in the S.E. which already has a water deficit.
  • People use far more water now than in the past.
  • Average consumption is 150 litres per person per day – due to appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.
• what has happened to water quality in the UK?

  • excessive use of fertiliser and pesticides in agriculture – identified as being responsible for 40% of water pollution in England
  • untreated sewage released by water companies – responsible for 35%
• water deficit?

  Areas with not enough water
• What is water surplus?

  Areas with too much water
• how would a water transfer scheme help in the UK?

  can help mitigate water shortages by transferring water from areas with a surplus of water, to those with higher levels of water stress, such as London and the South
• how do you manage water quality?

  • introducing regulations on the amount and type of pesticides and fertilisers that can be used
  • drainage systems are improved to slow the movement of rainwater so that pollution can be broken down in the soil