A Global Geographical Issue

Water is essential for life.

Yet 1.2 billion people in the world lack access to a safe water supply,

and 2.6 billion are without adequate sanitation.

As the global population continues to increase, water shortage will become the single most important issue

facing humans in the twenty-first century.

The uneven distribution of water supply and demand, the degradation of groundwater and surface water sources and the inefficient use of water are important geographical

issues.

Actions can be taken at local, national and global scales to address these issues.

Fresh Water is our most important natural resource. Everything in the biosphere needs it to survive.

Although 70% of the Earth is covered with water, only a small amount (2.5%) is fresh water. The rest, or 97.5%, is salt water.

Most of the fresh water is stored in the ice caps, as well as underground. As a result, less than 0.01% of the world’s total fresh water supply is available to humans.

Humans have access to this fresh water naturally in rivers and lakes. Also through human built dams and other water-storage devices.

If we look after it, there is enough fresh water to supply the needs of the planet’s population today and into the future.

However, the availability of fresh water is unequal around the world. Not everyone has the same access to fresh water.

Population increase impacts the amount of fresh water an area has. If the world’s population increases at the current speed, so will the level of demand on fresh water.

http://academic.evergreen.edu/g/grossmaz/larsenst/

http://www.fergusonfoundation.org/hbf/watercycle/index.shtml

Work through the water cycle activity.

Work through the definitions of the water cycle.

Watch the water cycle animation

Solve the puzzle sheet of the simplified water cycle.

The Water Cycle

Water does move in a cycle – it is a renewable resource. It is a cycle that has been going since the beginning of time.

The amount of water on our planet is constantly the same, it all depends what form water is in. Whether it is ice on the poles, snow on the peaks of mountains, rain in our cities or water flowing in rivers, the amount of water is a constant.

The global supply of fresh water should be enough for the global population. However, water is scarce for many people and there are several reasons for this:-

Variations in ClimateDrought and flood causes changes in water storage. During a drought, there is no water available. During a flood, the fresh water supplies will be polluted. This will then cause outbreaks of infection, such as cholera.

Land DegradationDeforestation, overgrazing and farming will reduce the ability of the soil to store water.

Population GrowthEverytime the global population doubles, the water available for each person halves. Countries with rapid population growth, such as India are finding it increasingly difficult to meet basic water requirements.

Water PollutionNational Geographic – “Why care about Water?”

1. What impacts do Humans have on water quality?2. How can this affect our health?3. What things can we do to improve this situation?

Bliss & Paine (2005) GeoActive 1. Wiley: Milton p333

Bliss & Paine (2005) GeoActive 1. Wiley: Milton p332Zuylen et al (2008) Geography Focus 1 Pearson: Port Melbourne p258-9

Water related diseases are responsible for 25 million deaths each year. About 2.3 billion people suffer from diseases linked to dirty water and poor hygiene. Polluted water is a major cause of human disease, misery and death. Heavily polluted water can lead directly to water scarcity because polluted water is of very little use unless it can be purified.

Water borne diseases – cholera, typhoid, dysentery and diarrhea

Water based diseases – tapeworms are found in water and become parasites in humans

Water bred disease – malaria and sleeping sickness are caused by insects that live and breed in or near water

Water scarce diseases – when there is too little water for hand washing, disease is easily passed on to others.

YouTube: Drop in the Bucket – Things you may not know about Water

What can YOU do?

1. Drinking Water2. Thawing Frozen Food3. Washing Vegetables4. Cooking Vegetables5. Washing6. Bathroom7. Shorter Showers8. Water saver shower head9. Half Flush toilets10. Repair Leaking toilets

What other ways can you think of to save water?

How does saving water connect to ecological sustainability?

There are two main ways in which we can reduce water scarcity. Increase fresh water supplies, and manage water more efficiently.

1.Underground Water – The water that is stored in the Watertable enables communities to access water. When the water is used faster than the water table is naturally replenished, the water table will fall, restricting the supply of water available for the community.

2.Managing Run Off – Dams provide a stable water supply and control flood waters. However they also impact on water supply further down the river.

Bliss & Paine (2005) GeoActive 1. Wiley: Milton p326-7

National Geographic – “Conserve Water”

Some governments believe that building large-scale dams, or super dams, are a good way to ensure humans have access to fresh water to meet all their needs.

However, there is concern about the effects of these super dams on the physical and human environment. There is debate as to whether or not dams are an ecologically sustainable use of fresh water resources.

An organisation that represents people affected by dams, the World Commission on Dams, was launched on 16 February 1998.

One of its main goals was to review the effectiveness of large-scale dams and to look for alternatives that allow for sustainable water and energy use.

Use the following information and your own knowledge to create a table that has 6 advantages and 6 disadvantages of building dams.You will need to choose the ones you think represent the best

arguments.

HOOVER DAM

Location

Arizona USA

Purpose Hydroelectricity

Benefit Electricity, Water & Tourism

Cost Habitat Loss and water lost to evaporation

ASWAN DAM

Location

Egypt

Purpose Increase economic production

Benefit Increased annual river flooding

Cost Displacement of 60,000 Egyptians and loss of soil fertility and habitats

THREE GORGRES DAM

Location

China

Purpose Hydroelectricity

Benefit Electricity, Increased shipping capacity

Cost Increased risk of landslides