4.2 Water access, use and security

Objective notes

8 learning objectives

4.2.1Water security definition

• Access to sufficient safe drinking water

• Component of sustainable societies

4.2.2Factors affecting water availability

• Social, cultural, economic, political factors

• Impact availability and equitable access

4.2.3Water supply increase needs

• Population growth or economic development

• Uses: domestic, irrigation, livestock, industry

4.2.4Increasing water supplies

• Dams, reservoirs, rainwater catchment, desalination plants

• Natural wetland enhancement

4.2.5Water scarcity types

• Physical scarcity: limited abundance

• Economic scarcity: limited storage/transport systems

4.2.6Domestic water conservation

• Metering, rationing, grey-water recycling

• Low-flush toilets, rainwater harvesting

4.2.7Industrial water conservation

• Food production systems

• Greenhouses, aquaponics, drip irrigation, drought-resistant crops

4.2.8Water scarcity mitigation strategies

• Country-specific management strategies