Global Variations in Water Consumption (Edexcel GCSE Geography A)
Revision Note
Written by: Bridgette Barrett
Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn
Variations in Water Consumption
Global water use by sector is:
70% agriculture - irrigation of crops and water for livestock
20% industry - producing goods and generating energy
10% domestic - toilets, cooking, cleaning, washing
The use by sector varies across countries depending on whether they are developed, emerging or developing
Water consumption
In developing and emerging countries, most water is used for agriculture
The use of water in leisure and tourism is increasing, particularly in developed countries
In developed countries, most water is used for industry
Reasons for Variations in Water Consumption
What are the reasons for differences in water use?
In developed countries, water use is higher due to:
Improving living standards, people have more appliances/sanitation which use water
Increased use of water in leisure and tourism, water parks, and golf courses
Increased urbanisation
With increasing industry, water is needed for the production of goods and energy production
With increasing agriculture, more water is needed for livestock and crop irrigation
In developing and emerging countries
Unlike developed countries, water use in developing and emerging countries is mostly for agriculture
Many people are still dependent on agriculture
There is far less industry in many developing countries so the demand for water for industrial processes is low
Many people in rural areas of emerging and developing countries do not have access to piped water and as a result, they are more cautious with water use
Factors Affecting Differences in Water Consumption
| Developed countries | Developing and Emerging Countries |
Industry | Large-scale industry uses water for cooling and in production | Industry is increasing in emerging countries, leading to greater water use Developing countries have low levels of industry, leading to lower water use |
Agriculture | Irrigation systems use water - these are increasingly efficient in reducing the amount of water used. For example, drip irrigation and automated systems | Irrigation systems are often inefficient and waste lots of water Increasing commercial agriculture is leading to greater use of water |
Domestic | Water is readily available due to the infrastructure, which increases the use of water for appliances, baths, showers, and toilets Increased use of water for leisure - swimming pools, hot tubs, and watering gardens | In rural areas, water availability may be low Lack of infrastructure and appliances reduces the use of water for washing, toilets and other domestic uses |
Worked Example
State one reason why some countries use a high proportion of their water resources for agriculture
(1)
There are a range of possible answers to this question
The answers will either relate to the type of farming, the amount of agriculture or the climate conditions
Answer:
One possible answer is:
Some countries have a larger number of farms / farmers / people working in the farming industry (1)
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