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Questions and Answers
What percentage of water on Earth is freshwater?
What percentage of water on Earth is freshwater?
What is the primary agricultural use of water?
What is the primary agricultural use of water?
Irrigation
Around 19 percent of total water consumption is used in industrial activities.
Around 19 percent of total water consumption is used in industrial activities.
True
Water is essential for _____ in various industrial processes.
Water is essential for _____ in various industrial processes.
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What percentage of water is used domestically worldwide?
What percentage of water is used domestically worldwide?
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Name one of the leading hydropower generating countries.
Name one of the leading hydropower generating countries.
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Hydropower accounts for 16 percent of the total electricity generated globally.
Hydropower accounts for 16 percent of the total electricity generated globally.
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What major challenge is associated with increasing agricultural irrigation needs by 2050?
What major challenge is associated with increasing agricultural irrigation needs by 2050?
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What is one recreational use of water?
What is one recreational use of water?
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Study Notes
The Importance of Water
- Water is essential for all living things; it comprises the majority of organisms' bodies
- Water is crucial for various ecosystems and serves as a habitat for countless species
- Water plays a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate
- Water shapes the Earth's surface through processes like erosion and deposition
- Water helps dilute and degrade wastes, contributing to environmental purification
Water Use
- Most uses, including agriculture, industry, and households, rely on freshwater
- 97% of Earth's water is saltwater, with only 3% being freshwater
- Two-thirds of freshwater exists as ice in glaciers and polar ice caps
- The remaining freshwater is found underground and a negligible amount is present on land or in the air
Agricultural Use
- Agriculture accounts for 69% of global water consumption, particularly in agricultural economies like India
- By 2050, the global water demand for agriculture is projected to increase by an additional 19% due to irrigation needs
- Increasing irrigation needs are likely to put immense pressure on existing water storage
Industrial Use
- Water is crucial for industries, serving as a raw material, coolant, solvent, transport agent, and energy source
- Manufacturing industries are major water consumers, with paper and allied products, chemicals, and primary metals being significant users
- Industries globally consume around 19% of total water usage
Domestic Use
- Domestic water use includes drinking, cleaning, personal hygiene, gardening, cooking, and washing
- Population growth and urbanization have led to increased demand for water supply systems
- Domestic water usage accounts for around 12% of global water consumption
Use for Hydropower
- Hydropower, generated from water, is a renewable source of electricity
- It accounts for approximately 16% of global electricity generation
- Leading hydropower producing countries include China, the US, Brazil, Canada, India, and Russia
Use for Navigation and Recreation
- Waterways are used for transportation of goods, particularly agricultural and commercial products
- Water also serves recreational purposes such as boating, swimming, and other activities
- Balancing recreational activities with public health and water quality is essential, particularly for drinking water sources
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