Global Freshwater use
How much water does an average person drink daily?
2-5 liters of water.
What river is primarily diverted for use in Las Vegas?
Colorado River.
Why is groundwater considered a non-renewable resource?
It recharges very slowly compared to how quickly it’s used.
How many fishing jobs have been lost due to reduced water availability?
Over 60,000 fishing jobs.
What does desalination do?
It removes salt from seawater.
What is drip irrigation?
An efficient method of irrigation that can cut water use in half.
What percentage of water is used for agriculture worldwide?
69% of water.
What is a major benefit of dams?
They prevent floods and provide drinking water.
What happens to the ground when groundwater is depleted?
The ground may sink or subside.
What happened to the Aral Sea?
It drastically shrunk, contributing to job losses.
How many desalination plants exist worldwide?
Over 20,000 desalination plants.
Name one way farmers can conserve water.
Using drought-tolerant crops.
How many gallons of water are needed to produce 1 kg of wheat?
400 gallons of water.
How many dams have been removed in recent years?
Over 750 dams.
What is waterlogging?
When soil becomes saturated with water, removing oxygen.
What could have been done to prevent the collapse of the Aral Sea ecosystem?
More sustainable water management practices.
What is a drawback of the desalination process?
It is energy-intensive and produces a lot of waste.
What are drought-tolerant crops?
Crops that require less water to grow.
What is the percentage of water used for public use in the US?
18%.
What is the impact of dams on wildlife?
Dams can alter habitats and affect wildlife.
How does salination affect soil?
It builds up salt on the soil's surface, making it unusable.
How do water diversions affect communities?
They can make living and working impossible in certain areas.
What is one method of desalination?
Heating water to separate salt.
What barriers prevent widespread adoption of water-saving methods?
Cost and access to technology.
What is the main source of the water used worldwide?
Surface water.
What is the area irrigated by the All-American Canal?
Over 2,000 square kilometers and 500,000 acres.
What are the consequences of groundwater depletion for farming?
Increased costs and reduced available water.
Should governments intervene when water resources are overused?
Yes, even if it means reducing agricultural production. But depending on the severity of the amount of water reduced.
Is desalination a sustainable solution? Why or why not?
It depends on energy costs and environmental impact.
Should governments incentivize water-efficient farming practices?
Yes, to promote conservation.