Strategies for Increasing Water Supply (HL IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Strategies for Increasing Water Supply
Human societies undergoing population growth or economic development need to increase the supply of water or use it more efficiently
Water is essential for:
Domestic use
Agriculture (drinking-water for livestock and irrigation-water for crops)
Industry
Strategies Used to Increase Fresh Water Supplies
Strategy | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
Constructing dams and reservoirs | Structures built to store water, regulate flow and prevent floods Helps store water during periods of high rainfall for use during dry seasons | The Hoover Dam in the USA creates Lake Mead, supplying water to several states and generating hydroelectric power |
Rainwater Catchment Systems | Collecting and storing rainwater run-off from rooftops or other surfaces for domestic use Collected rainwater can be used for non-potable purposes like irrigation, toilet flushing and cleaning, reducing the strain on freshwater sources | In Chennai, India, rooftop rainwater harvesting helps tackle water scarcity It also mitigates stormwater run-off, reducing flooding and erosion |
Desalination Plants | Removing salt and minerals from seawater to produce freshwater using methods like reverse osmosis | The Jebel Ali Desalination Plant in Dubai provides a significant portion of the city's water supply |
Enhancement of Natural Wetlands | Improving wetlands to act as natural filters, removing pollutants and aiding groundwater recharge | The Everglades in Florida, USA, are being restored to enhance water flow and quality |
Improving Irrigation Methods | Using efficient irrigation techniques like drip irrigation to reduce water wastage in agriculture | In Israel, the development and use of advanced drip irrigation technology has maximised water use efficiency |
Water Recycling and Reuse | Treating wastewater for reuse in industrial processes or irrigation | Singapore's NEWater project treats and reuses wastewater, reducing reliance on imported water |
Artificial Recharge of Aquifers | Increasing groundwater supplies by directing surface water into the ground to replenish aquifers Recharging aquifers helps prevent groundwater depletion and maintains a sustainable supply of water for wells and springs | In California, USA, managed aquifer recharge projects help counteract over-extraction of groundwater |
Redistribution | Efficient water redistribution systems, such as canals and pipelines, transfer water from water-rich regions to areas experiencing scarcity Redistributing water resources can help balance supply and demand, particularly in densely populated or arid regions | The Central Arizona Project in the USA redistributes water from the Colorado River to arid regions of Arizona |
Using a combined approach
Sustainable management of freshwater resources requires a combination of strategies to enhance water supplies
Dams, reservoirs, rainwater catchment systems, desalination plants and enhancement of natural wetlands are effective approaches to increase water availability
However, these measures can be complemented by water conservation practices, recycling and reuse, recharging of aquifers and sustainable agriculture
By adopting a comprehensive and balanced approach, societies can ensure the sustainable use of freshwater resources
Exam Tip
Make sure you understand the role of wetland ecosystems. They are not just valuable habitats for a huge variety of species—they are also crucial for human societies as they provide essential services like water purification and groundwater recharge.
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