GEOG Water Management Solutions and Examples:

Keeping waterways clean :

- Regulate the
- Advantage- supports sewerage system
marine life (Treatment of industrial
- allows water sports to wastewater in public
be conducted sewers)
- Disadvantage- Cost, > Inland and coastal
alot of resources and waters
hard to change people’s (Regularly monitor)
>Soil pollution
mindset’s about not
(proper use of approved
littering pesticides to control
termites)

GEOG PEEL PARAGRAPHS

1. Question: Water Shortage due to high demand (Increase in population)

Point: Higher demand due to increased population leads to water shortages.

Explanation: Rising population causes a spike in water consumption in households, as well as

industrial and agricultural sectors. An increase in population would result in more people
requiring more water for drinking, showering, and daily activities. Additionally, the agricultural
sector must produce more food to feed the growing population, consuming more water.
Industrial activities also expand to meet a larger population's demands, further straining water
resources. This increased demand for water is more than the supply of water, leading to water
shortage issues, especially in regions already experiencing water scarcity.

Evidence: As the population grows, the need for water in domestic, agricultural, and industrial
sectors rises significantly. For example, a United Nations report highlights that global water
demand is expected to increase by 55% by 2050, caused mainly by urbanization and population
growth.

Link: Therefore, increases in population contribute to higher water demand, which would result
in significant water shortages, stressing the need for sustainable water management practices
to ensure future water security.

2. Question: Water Shortage due to high demand (Affluence)

Point: Water shortage worsens due to affluence, as rich lifestyles often lead to excessive water
use, straining freshwater resources.

Elaboration: Affluence, linked with higher income and access to resources, often leads to
wastefulness. Rich societies often indulge in unnecessary water consumption through activities
like extensive landscaping, frequent car washing, and luxurious leisure facilities such as private
pools and spas. Additionally, the production of goods and services for affluent consumers
involves significant water usage, adding to the strain on water resources.

Evidence: Data shows that affluent individuals have a much larger water footprint compared to
those with lower incomes. People in rich countries consume several times more water per capita
than those in poorer nations, mainly for personal hygiene, dietary choices, and recreational
activities. Industries serving affluent markets, like fashion and electronics, also contribute
significantly to water scarcity through their production processes.

Link: The connection between affluence and water shortage is complex. Affluence drives
demand for water-intensive products and lifestyles, worsening water scarcity. To address this,
we must promote sustainable consumption, adopt water-saving technologies, and ensure fair
water distribution. Only by balancing affluence with environmental responsibility can we secure
a water-secure future.
Question: Using relevant examples, explain one political impact of water shortage

Point- One political impact of water shortage is that it can cause conflicts and tension among
and within countries.

Elaboration- Water is a valuable resource, people need it for drinking, showering, and daily
activities, industries need it to produce goods and the agriculture sector needs large amounts of
water to plant crops. However, some countries face water shortage problems. When water
resources are scarce or unevenly distributed, there would be competition between countries for
this vital resource. This competition fuels political tensions, as countries vie for control over
water supplies to safeguard their interests and ensure their populations' well-being. Neighboring
countries would fight for their shared rivers or water bodies, resulting in disputes over access,
management, and allocation of these water bodies.
Arguments over shared water bodies can increase competition for water resources, within and
between countries. They may resort to illegal actions to secure access to water, such as
constructing unauthorized dams or diverting water flows, further aggravating the conflict instead
of coming up with cooperative solutions to give each side their fair share of the water resources.

Evidence- One example of a political impact of water shortage is the Indus River. India and
Pakistan, have historically had disputes over the sharing of the Indus River. The Indus River is
one of the longest rivers in Asia and flows through both India and Pakistan. In 1960, the Indus
Waters Treaty was signed between the two countries to allocate the waters of the Indus River
system between them. However, tensions between the two counties still arise from time to time
over issues such as water distribution, the construction of hydroelectric projects, and irrigation.
For instance, India's construction of dams and diversion projects on the Indus River, such as the
Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects, has been a source of tension with Pakistan.
Pakistan argues that these projects violate the terms of the Indus Waters Treaty and could affect
Pakistan’s water supply.

[Moreover, there will be agriculture competition. Although agriculture consumes the most water
globally, as the population increases, the demand for water for industrial purposes will increase.
Thus, farmers will feel threatened by water allocation to industries.

Example - For example, in the Inner Niger Delta, farmers, herders, and fishers do not have
enough water for their needs. Farming in the delta is highly dependent on the combined effects
of the rainy season and flooding periods. Hence, they would compete for more water from
industrial use for their agriculture sector. This would cause conflict between both parties and this
conflict can worsen existing challenges related to water scarcity and livelihood insecurity for the
farmers in the region.] - Alternative for Evidence

Link- Thus, one political impact of water shortage is that it can cause conflicts and tensions
among and within countries.