ENVS 1200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: World Health Organization, France 5, Water Scarcity
3 May 2018
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Freshwater Resources
January 15, 2015
*Chapter 15
Consumer Responsibility: either creates a demand or eases pressure for food items.
Freshwater is a limited resource and we are using it faster than it can be
replenished. Although, methods are available to recover and purify some of the
water we use, conservation is also seriously needed.
Approximately 75% of Earth’s surface is covered with water. Much less than 1% is
drinkable by humans. *Only 3% is actually freshwater and only some of that water is
accessible and usable.
Water moves through various reservoirs and spheres to complete the water cycle.
Transpiration and evaporation moves water into atmosphere from both the
biosphere and hydrosphere.
Condensation – As water vapor rises, it cools and condenses to form clouds.
Precipitation – Water held in clouds eventually falls back to Earth as precipitation.
Groundwater –Most of the water soaks into the ground via infiltration.
Water Scarcity – Not having access to enough fresh water (physical or economic).
• In developing nations, water scarcity leads to inaccessible potable water and
sanitation problems.
The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 3 people lack sufficient access to
clean water.
Domestic Water Use Rankings:
1. Canada
2. United States
3. Japan
4. France
5. World Average
6. China
7. Bangladesh
How Do We Use Water?
Consumptive vs. Nonconsumptive Use
• 8% Domestic
• 22% Industry
• 70% Agriculture
*1,850 gallons of water is needed to produce 1 pound of beef.
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Document Summary
Consumer responsibility: either creates a demand or eases pressure for food items. Freshwater is a limited resource and we are using it faster than it can be replenished. Although, methods are available to recover and purify some of the water we use, conservation is also seriously needed. Approximately 75% of earth"s surface is covered with water. Much less than 1% is drinkable by humans. *only 3% is actually freshwater and only some of that water is accessible and usable. Water moves through various reservoirs and spheres to complete the water cycle. Transpiration and evaporation moves water into atmosphere from both the biosphere and hydrosphere. Condensation as water vapor rises, it cools and condenses to form clouds. Precipitation water held in clouds eventually falls back to earth as precipitation. Groundwater most of the water soaks into the ground via infiltration. Water scarcity not having access to enough fresh water (physical or economic).
