The Two Main Ways:
- Techno-fix-solutions which use hard engineering projects such as technology to fix the problem like mega-dams, water transfers and desalination.
- More sustainable methods through water restoration – improving the area and supply and water conservation – reducing loss and wastage.
- Also integrated drainage basin management (IDBM) such as the Helsinki Rules
Case Study: China’s
South-North Water Transfer:
- Why: Demand from industrial centres, high population density, intensive agricultural, low rainfall and over abstraction of groundwater.
- What Did They Do: Industrial growth along routeways to remove pollution problems; changes in water balances; reduce the amount of water in the Yangtze leading to less dilution and more pollution; caused displaced people from the land that is now flooded instead.
- Aim: To divert 45 billion from the water surplus area South and East of the river to deficit areas in the North such as Beijing and Tianjin.
Pros & Cons Of
Techno-Fix Hard Engineering:
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Pros:
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Cons:
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Health improvements
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Huge cost of the scheme
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Boosts economic development
in the area
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Source areas lose water
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Government controls it
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Wildlife, habitats and
ecology of river systems are damaged
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Pollution flushed and
diluted in receiving area
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Reservoirs displaces
village
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Water security improves in
receiving area
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Water Transfers – A
Quick Fix:
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Factor:
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Leads To… Source
Area
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Factor:
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Leads To… Receiving
Area
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Less Water:
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Reduced use by locals, may
increase poverty
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More Water
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Solves existing demand
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Ecosystem Changes:
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Degradation and destruction
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Leads to greater use
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Less functioning
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Development Demands
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Rising megacities and
industrial growth
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Less productive
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Tourism especially golf
courses
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Pollution:
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Less dilution
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Improves human health
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More concentration of
pollutants
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Agricultural Demands:
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Encourages unsustainable
irrigated farming by agri-business
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More silt
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Pollution:
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Pollution from nitrate
eutrophication and salination
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Transfer pollution from
original river to new location
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Ecosystem destruction
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Water Conservation –
Reducing The Usage And Loss Of Water:
Smart Irrigation:
- SMART meters measure the soil moisture to turn the irrigation on and off
- Crops are fed by hosepipes with holes in that drip water into the soil and roots
- Much less water lost to evaporation or runoff
- MEDCs use more E.g. California, USA
- Saves lots of water, but is costly and not available in all LEDCs
Rainwater Harvesting:
- Any system that catches and stores rainwater for use
- WaterAid and The Barefoot College, Rajasthan, India build tanks in schools to collect monsoon water from roofs
- Water then used for drinking in dry season
- Easy to construct, improves water security, but only provides enough for human consumption
Restoration In Lake
Chad:
- Restoration is returning water resources to their natural state.
- It is done by improving the quality, amount and environment of water resources, and stopping unsustainable practices.
- 90 % of the water in Lake Chad hass gone.
- The World Bank is helping with loans and experts to reverse the lakes shrinkage.
- Chad government says $10 billion is needed, 5 countries involved (transboundary rivers feed Lake Chad).
- The idea is to exploit and pump groundwater aquifers in Africa, and reduce over-abstraction from the rivers that feed Lake Chad. This will mean the lake refills slowly.
Attitudes To Water
Supply:
- Farmers want to use for irrigation and to make profits e.g. California
- Governments in LEDCs often over-exploit resources for economic growth e.g. Chad, but as develop they want sustainable management e.g. Lake Chad
- Charities and Environmentalists e.g. WaterAid, Barefoot College etc want to restore and conserve water to help poor and environment
- Some governments e.g. China, want to control water with mega-projects and transfer schemes to aid industry and cities
- Domestic users and citizens want clean, safe water for drinking and recreation uses
Integrated Drainage
Basin Management (IBDM):
- Best future management option for large catchments/rivers
- Countries work together to sustainably share the river water
- Includes ‘water treaties’ between governments so shares agreed
- Follows the ‘Helsinki Rules’ which set out how to sustainably manage rivers
- Positives: sets out rules to follow to ensure water security for all and avoid conflict
- Negatives: might not work if countries do not stick to the plans
- E.g. Nile Basin Imitative – IDBM in place, avoiding water wars?. Lake Chad yet to do this.