Water Consumption and Distribution
Water Scarcity
Global and Local Water Crisis
Water Pollution and Treatment
100

How much of the world's water is freshwater?

3%

100

What are the two types of water scarcity?

Physical and economic water scarcity.

100

How many years has the Neskantaga First Nations community been under a long-term boil water advisory for? 

over 25 years

since February 1995

100

What are the two types of water pollution?

Point Source and Non-point Source Pollution 

200

Which sector has the largest water consumption worldwide?

Agriculture, food production

200

What type of water scarcity does a large part of Africa face?

A)Physical
B)Economic

B)Economic water scarcity

200

What are boil water advisories?

Boil water advisories are official announcements that inform consumers that they need to boil their water in order to protect their health against the potential presence of disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites.

200

What is the first step in wastewater treatment?

Preliminary Treatment

Screening the wastewater for large debris

300

How much water does the agricultural sector consume worldwide?

~70%

300

What is water scarcity?

Water scarcity or water stress is when the available supply of water cannot meet the demand for water (ie. 10 people want to drink water but there is only enough for 3 people).

300

How many boil water advisories does Ontario have?

36

300

What is non-point source pollution?

Non-point source pollution is when you cannot clearly identify the location at which the pollution is entering the water network.

400

How is the world's freshwater distributed?

~77% is frozen in ice glaciers

~22% is groundwater

~1% is surface water (streams, lakes, rivers)

400

What is physical water scarcity?


Physical water scarcity is the result of a region’s demand outpacing the limited water resources found there. For example, the lakes, rivers or streams are drying up or the groundwater is being used faster than it is replenished.

400

What is environmental racism?

“Environmental racism” describes the fact that people of color and low-income people are most likely living near sources of contamination like toxic waste facilities and away from clean water, air, and soil.

400

What is an example of point source pollution?

factory sewage pipe

500

Do you think water is equally distributed across the globe?


No, there is unequal distribution of clean water around the globe. One area may have an abundance and access to clean water, like Canada, while other parts of the world may lack clean water or do not have access to it, ex. Kenya.

500

Provide an example of economic water scarcity.


For example, if there is groundwater in a region but no well to access it, then there is a lack of infrastructure. Or if there is a pump but it is broken and no one is repairing it, then there is poor management of the infrastructure.

500

Why does a lack of water access contribute to gender inequality?

Young girls and women are typically responsible for fetching water for their families. 

In Africa alone, women spend 40 billion hours a year walking for water.

With access to clean water these women would have more time to grow food, earn an income, and go to school -- all of which fight poverty and gender inequality.

500

What are the steps that wastewater goes through in a wastewater treatment plant?

preliminary treatment 

primary clarifier or settling tank

secondary treatment in an aeration tank

secondary clarifier  

sludge treatment

disinfection