Water management in the UK

Learning objectives

• All of you will be able to describe what water stress, surplus and deficit are

• Most of you will be able to describe and explain water stress, surplus and deficit and to name an example

• Some of you will be able describe and explain the above terms in greater detail, using a case study to support your answer in talking about how to manage water sustainably

What do we use water for?

• You have 1 minute in pairs to come up with as many different ways we use water as you can.

Activity Av. Wkly use

Liters per use

Total no. of litres

Bath 2Flushing toilet 35Power shower 7Washing machine 3Dishwasher 4Watering the garden 1Washing car with bucket 1Washing car with hose 1

Activity Av. Wkly use

Liters per use

Total no. of litres

Bath 2 80 160Flushing toilet 35 8 280Power shower 7 70 490Washing machine 3 65 195Dishwasher 4 25 100Watering the garden 1 540 540Washing car with bucket 1 32 32Washing car with hose 1 450 450

KEY TERMSWater stress: this occurs when the amount of water available does not

meet that required. This may be due to an inadequate supply at a particular time or it may relate to water quality.

Areas of deficit: locations where rain that falls does not provide enough water on a permanent basis. Shortages may occur under

certain conditions. e.g. long periods without rain

Areas of surplus: areas that have more water than is needed – often such areas receive a high rainfall total, but have a relatively small

population.

Household water use in England and Wales

Why will the demand for water increase over time?

• Increase in population• Increase in number of households• Increase in use of time-saving goods e.g.

washing machines, dishwashers• Buying more foodstuffs out of season

Map showing water stress in England and Wales

Map showing UK Rainfall

Trends in total water demand - 2008 to 2050 (England & Wales)

How can demand be met in a more sustainable way?

• Increased awareness e.g. houses with a water meter use on average 19l less per person per day

• More efficient house designs• More efficient toilet systems• Water butts• Recycling water within the house (e.g. bath water for

flushing toilets)• More showers than baths• Leakage is a big problem (water authorities)

Location of Kielder Water Reservoir, Northumberland. A water storage and transfer scheme

Kielder Water – reservoir and water transfer case study

• READ through case study• Create your own case study containing the following:• Location (map showing location including key rivers,

towns, reservoir and transfer – see map on case study hand out)

• Why was it located there? (at least 5 points on the reasons for locating it where it is)

• Timeline and icon sketches• Impacts/effects – sort facts into groups and again

into order of importance.

How is water used in the UK? Water abstraction from non-tidal waters in England and Wales