18 Questions
How can climate change and rainfall changes lead to water insecurity?
By decreasing the predictability of rainfall and water availability
Which event can result in the destruction of water points and sanitation facilities according to the text?
Flooding
What impact can over-abstraction from aquifers have in coastal areas?
Pollution of groundwater by saltwater
What impact can fracking for oil have on groundwater?
Reducing the pressure of fresh water and allowing salt to enter the aquifer
How does aquifer pollution differ from pollution events?
Aquifer pollution occurs due to long-term dumping of waste, while pollution events are caused by short-term spills.
How does over-abstraction from aquifers contribute to saltwater intrusion?
Reduces the pressure of fresh water, allowing saltwater to contaminate groundwater
What is a major consequence of aquifer depletion on the flora and fauna of an area?
Decrease in biodiversity
How does population growth impact the demand for water resources?
Increases demand for water across agricultural, domestic, and industrial sectors
What is the potential impact of urbanization on water security in rapidly growing urban areas?
Inadequate infrastructure leading to water scarcity issues
Why do rural areas tend to rely more on untreated groundwater or rainwater for their water supply?
Lack of financial resources to develop infrastructure for clean water
What is a possible consequence of mismanaged irrigation practices leading to salinization?
Human-driven drought conditions
How can farm runoff impact water ecosystems?
Cause increased turbidity
What is a consequence of improper sanitation management on water security?
Reduced separation of wastewater from drinking water
How does lack of access to water impact poverty according to the text?
Affects the ability to work, go to school, and incur medical costs
What are some key principles of managing water security highlighted in the text?
Consider water as an economic, social, and environmental resource
Which of the following is an example of sustainable water extraction mentioned in the text?
(tap water)
Why is it important for policies on managing water security to focus on both supply and demand?
To balance the availability of water resources with public demand
What impact can untreated water have on public health in regions with inadequate sanitation facilities?
Increase in disease transmission related to ingestion of contaminated water
Study Notes
Water Security and Sanitation
- Water security: the ability to access sufficient quantities of clean water to maintain adequate standards of food, manufacturing, sanitation, and sustainable healthcare
- Sanitation: the provision of clean drinking water and sewage disposal
Causes of Water Insecurity
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Climate Change and Rainfall Changes
- Warm air holds more moisture, leading to larger and more frequent storm systems
- Flooding erodes topsoil, pollutes water supply, and affects ability of soil to support plant growth
- Decreased predictability of rainfall and water availability
-
Natural Disasters
- Droughts and flooding can lead to destruction of water points and sanitation facilities
- Earthquakes and volcanoes can damage infrastructure and water stores
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Pollution Events
- Can occur from single point or long-term misuse of a water resource
- Example: Woburn, Massachusetts industrial spills (1969-1979) led to increased cancer incidents
- Fertilizer/agricultural pollution can cause eutrophication
-
Aquifer Pollution
- Groundwater can contain high levels of elements like iron, fluoride, uranium, or arsenic
- Fracking for oil can push pollutants into the groundwater
-
Salt Water Intrusion
- Over-abstraction of water from aquifers can lead to contamination of ground water by salt water
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Population Growth and Changes in Land Usage
- Increases demand for water for agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses
- Population growth can also increase pollution risk
- Urbanization replaces natural reservoirs with impermeable landscapes
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Population Growth – Pressure on Aquifers
- Over-abstraction can lead to aquifer depletion and reduced water table levels
- Fall in water table affects flora and fauna, and increases drought severity
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Competing Demands from Agriculture, Industrial, Energy, and Domestic Sectors
- Conflicts arise over access to water resources
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International Competition
- Upstream countries can control water flow, affecting downstream countries
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Inequality of Water Availability
- Water-rich and water-poor regions experience different levels of insecurity
- HICs vs LICs: HICs typically have better access to clean water
- Urban vs Rural: urban populations usually have better access to clean water
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Mismanagement of Irrigation
- Can lead to human-driven drought conditions, pollution, and salinization
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Farm Runoff
- Contains chemicals and fertilizers that can lead to eutrophication, turbidity, and toxic water pollution
-
Sanitation Mismanagement
- Lack of sanitation can lead to water pollution, disease transmission, and food insecurity
Impacts of Water Insecurity
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Crop Yields, Livestock, and Food Shortages
- Inadequate water supply affects food security
-
Illnesses Related to Contaminated Water
- Diarrhea and cholera can result from contaminated water
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Poverty
- Lack of water access exacerbates poverty, disease, and economic instability
Strategies to Manage Water Security
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Managing Water Security
- Strategies vary in scale from individual to government policy
- Key principles: water is an economic, social, and environmental resource; policies should focus on managing supply and demand
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Sustainable Extraction and Improved Supply
- Piped supply, artisan wells, boreholes, gravity-fed schemes, reservoirs, and dams are methods for managing water supply
This quiz focuses on vocabulary related to managing water supplies in the context of water security, sanitation, natural disasters, and contamination. Test your knowledge on key terms used in discussions about water resource management.
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