Explain the value and importance of freshwater
Explain the value and importance of freshwater
TASK: Create a poster highlighting the importance of freshwater using the resources below.
Describe the proportion of water used for agriculture, domestic and industrial purposes in countries at different levels of economic development
Describe the proportion of water used for agriculture, domestic and industrial purposes in countries at different levels of economic development
TASK 1: Watch the video and make detailed notes on the challenges and opportunities of freshwater use globally. Include data and keywords.
TASK 2: Create a pie chart showing the global use of water by sector.
Examine the data in the 3 maps below.
Colour the maps on the worksheet to show the regions with highest, medium and lowest use of water by sector.
Add labels to your map describing the patterns observed.
To what extent does this map reflect the data above?
Describe methods of water supply at different levels of economic development (including reservoirs/dams, wells and bore holes, desalination)
Describe methods of water supply at different levels of economic development (including reservoirs/dams, wells and bore holes, desalination)
Describing distribution is an important exam skill. It involves naming the regions and sub regions of the world where something is found.
TASK 1: Study the map and answer the exam question below.
“Describe the global distribution of countries where 10 to 50 million people do not have access to an improved water source” (3 marks)
MARK SCHEME:
Central / Sub Saharan Africa (1)
East Asia / South Asia (1)
Anomaly: SE Asia (excluding Indonesia) (1)
Use of data for (1)
TASK 2: Watch the video and answer the exam-style question below.
“Explain 3 ways that access to safe water can affect economic development” (6 marks)
MARK SCHEME
Drinking unsafe water makes people sick (1) which means that they cannot go to work or school (1) which can reduce income or the chances of future employment (1)
People have to buy bottled water (1) which can be expensive (1), limiting the income of individuals and families (1)
People have to travel long distances to collect safe water (1) which limits the time people can work / study (1) reducing income (1)
Areas with little access to safe water may receive less foreign direct investment (1) limiting the growth of industry e.g. tourism (1)
TASK 3: Identify and state the HDI of: South Sudan, Lesotho and South Africa
TASK 4: Watch the videos below and complete the writing frame. Share the findings of your research in mixed groups.
Wells and boreholes both serve as vital sources of water supply, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Wells, typically shallow in depth, offer lower initial installation costs, ease of maintenance, and relatively quick installation, making them accessible for community use. However, they often have limited water yield, are vulnerable to contamination, and may dry up in drought-prone areas.
On the other hand, boreholes tap into deeper aquifers, providing higher water yield, greater reliability, and lower contamination risk. Yet, boreholes entail higher installation costs, maintenance challenges, and potential environmental impacts.
Ultimately, the choice between wells and boreholes depends on factors such as water demand, geological conditions, and budget considerations, aiming to balance accessibility, reliability, and sustainability in water supply solutions.
To what extent are dams and reservoirs a sustainable solution for water scarcity?
To what extent is desalination a sustainable solution for water scarcity?
Explain why there are water shortages in some areas and demonstrate that careful management is required to ensure future supplies
Explain why there are water shortages in some areas and demonstrate that careful management is required to ensure future supplies
TASK 1: With a partner, list as many reasons as possible for water shortages such as those experienced in California in 2014.
Before and after images of California's reservoirs (2011-2014)
Complete the writing frame using the resources below
TASK 2: Watch the video and note key words, facts and evidence to support this case study.
TASK 3: Explain 4 different ways that California gets its water
California gets its water supply from a variety of sources, including:
Snowpack: The Sierra Nevada mountain range in California serves as a critical source of water. During the winter months, snow accumulates in the mountains, which acts as a natural reservoir. When the snow melts in the spring and summer, it provides water for rivers and reservoirs.
Surface Water: Rivers and streams throughout the state, such as the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, provide surface water that is captured in reservoirs for storage and distribution.
Groundwater: California also relies heavily on groundwater, which is water stored underground in aquifers. Groundwater is pumped to the surface using wells and is used for agricultural, industrial, and municipal purposes.
Reservoirs: California has numerous reservoirs, such as the Oroville Dam and the San Luis Reservoir, which store water during wet periods for use during dry periods.
Imported Water: In addition to local sources, California imports water from other regions through a vast network of canals and aqueducts. The State Water Project and the Central Valley Project are two major systems that transport water from Northern California to the more populated areas in the central and southern parts of the state.
Desalination: Coastal areas of California also utilize desalination plants to convert seawater into freshwater, although this source currently provides a small fraction of the state's overall water supply due to its high cost and energy requirements.
TASK 4: Jigsaw reading and inquiry
Read one article from the selection below (1 / 2 / 3 / 4)
Note the causes and effects of water shortages in the article. How is water shortage leading to competition? Include as much specific detail as possible.
Note the source of your information.
In mixed groups, share your findings with the group.
Listen to the other students in your group explaining their news articles and note information on how water shortages lead to competition.
1 - Salmon vs Almonds
2 - Rich vs Poor
3 - Residents vs Farmers
4 - Big Business vs The Rest
TASK 4: Make detailed notes on the videos and answer the questions below
Questions
Outline how water is used in California with reference to data.
Briefly describe the physical geography of California with reference to named features.
Name the 3 major types of water sources in California.
Explain the links between water supply and food production.
Explain the links between water supply and energy production.
Explain how dams and water canals are used to distribute water to California’s residents.
With reference to a named place you have studied, explain how water shortages lead to competition for the use of available water resources. (7 marks)
Examine the opportunities and challenges of large hydropower projects and explain how these can lead to water conflict
Examine the opportunities and challenges of large hydropower projects and explain how these can lead to water conflict
TASK 1: Describe the location of Ethiopia with reference to its position in Africa and surrounding countries
TASK 2: Watch the video and note the advantages of the GERD
TASK 3: Create a poster outlining the advantages of the GERD project and how it will help both Ethiopia and surrounding countries.
Explain how a lack of access to clean water impacts local people and the potential for economic development
Explain how a lack of access to clean water impacts local people and the potential for economic development
Lack of access to clean water can have significant negative impacts on local people and the potential for economic development.
Clean water is essential for human health, and when it is not readily available, people can become sick or even die from waterborne diseases. This can lead to increased healthcare costs, lost productivity due to illness, and a lower overall quality of life.
In terms of economic development, lack of access to clean water can also be a major obstacle. Water is needed for many industrial and agricultural processes, and without a reliable supply, businesses may struggle to operate or may not locate in an area. Additionally, when people are focused on finding and transporting water, they may not have the time or energy to engage in other economic activities.
Overall, lack of access to clean water can create a cycle of poverty and poor health that is difficult to break. Ensuring that people have access to clean water is essential for improving health outcomes and supporting economic development in local communities.
CASE STUDY: WATER CRISIS IN PUNJAB, INDIA
KEY FACTS
India is suffering from its worst water crisis in history
600 million people affected
200,000 die each year due to lack of access to clean water
21 cities are predicted to run out of groundwater by 2020
By 2030 the country’s water demand will be 2 x its level of supply
Water scarcity will lead to a 6% loss in India’s GDP