Water Supply (Copy)
4.3 Water Supply – Cheat Sheet
Sources of Fresh Water
| Source | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquifers | Underground permeable rock layers storing groundwater | Reliable, large reserves, less evaporation | Overuse causes depletion & subsidence | Ogallala Aquifer (USA) |
| Wells | Man-made holes dug to access groundwater in aquifers | Simple, cheap for small-scale use | Can dry up, risk of contamination | Village wells in India |
| Rivers | Flowing surface water used directly for drinking, irrigation, industry | Easily accessible, renewable if managed | Seasonal fluctuations, pollution risk | River Nile (Egypt) |
| Reservoirs | Artificial lakes behind dams storing water | Reliable year-round, multipurpose (irrigation, drinking, HEP) | Expensive, displaces communities, habitat loss | Aswan High Dam (Egypt) |
| Desalination Plants | Remove salt from seawater to make it drinkable | Provides water in arid regions, unlimited source (oceans) | Very costly, energy-intensive | Saudi Arabia, UAE |
Quick Pointers
- Most common: rivers & groundwater.
- Reservoirs: dual role → water supply + hydro-electric power.
- Desalination: vital for arid countries but not affordable everywhere.
- Overuse of aquifers → water table falls, long-term damage.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Environmental Management Full Scale Course