Water Shortage

What is water shortage?

• Water shortage is when some countries use a lot more water per capita than others.

• Water shortage is when the level of water usage exceeds the water supply available

• Water shortage is when the level of water supply available exceeds the level of water usage

• Water shortage is the total volume of water in cubic metres used to produce the goods and services for a person in a year

Which of the following shows the demand reasons for water shortage?

• Increasing world population, which increases the need for food. Water consumption for agriculture will increase.

• Water consumption has increased twice as fast as population growth in the last century because of affluence. Being affluent means having wealth and being able to live more comfortably. More water is used for water intensive appliances and a lifestyle that consumes more water.

• Seasonal rainfall means water is unevenly distributed throughout the year. Some months do not receive rainfall and water shortage occurs.

• Water pollution means that the quality of water is poorer. The water becomes unusable for people and unsuitable for aquatic life. Less water is available for use and there is water shortage

What is the advantage or benefit of using reservoirs to collect rain in local catchments?

• The cost of getting water is higher than desalination.

• It uses a lot of land

• Can take advantage of Singapore’s high rainfall of more than 2000 mm per year. Rainfall is free.

• As pipes are used to transport water, little land is used. It saves space.

A disadvantage of using desalination to increase water supply is that....

• It is expensive to produce water as a lot of energy is required in processing the sea water to be safe drinking water

• Large amounts of salt and minerals are produced and can cause sea pollution if not properly discharged.

• Allows fresh water to be used more than once, so water is still available during dry spells.

• As sea water is limitless, water is more easily available

A disadvantage of importing water to increase the water supply is that.....

• A lot of land is saved as only pipes are used to transport the water

• When there is a drought in the country supplying the water, Singapore may not get to buy the water as the host country does not have enough water for themselves.

• It is energy intensive and expensive to produce.

• When the water contract expires, it may not be renewed. Singapore faces water shortage

Which of the following is a demand reason for water usage?

• Water is polluted, so the water usage cannot be met.

• Water is used to irrigate farmlands. Nearly 70% of the water is used for irrigation

• Seasonal rainfall causes water shortage in Africa.

• The increase in world population has caused a increase in water usage per capita.

Which of the following is a supply reason for water shortage?

• Affluence has resulted in greater water usage per capita.

• Climate change has caused droughts to happen in certain countries such as Africa.

• Seasonal rainfall in india has caused water shortage during certain months.

• An increase in water supply by using desalinated water.