Question 1: What is 'water stress'?

Answer: Water stress is a situation where water demand exceeds supply or where water quality is compromised, leading to scarcity.

Question 2: Define 'desalination' and give an example of where it is used in the UK.

Answer: Desalination is the process of removing salt from seawater to produce freshwater, used at the Thames Estuary in the UK.

Question 3: Name the main river basin in London that supplies water to the city.

Answer: The River Thames

Question 4: What is 'urban water demand'?

Answer: Urban water demand refers to the amount of water used by cities and towns for domestic, commercial, and industrial purposes.

Question 5: Explain the term 'leakage' in the context of UK water supply.

Answer: Leakage refers to water lost from pipes and infrastructure before reaching consumers, reducing overall efficiency of water supply systems.

Question 1: Which region of the UK experiences the highest water stress?

Answer: The South East

Question 2: Name two main sources of freshwater used in the UK.

Answer: Rivers and aquifers

Question 3: Identify one method used in the UK to increase water availability in drought conditions.

Answer: Desalination

Question 4: What is the purpose of water metering in the UK?

Answer: To monitor and reduce water consumption, encouraging conservation.

Question 5: Name one challenge faced by rural water supplies in the UK.

Answer: Poor water quality or low pressure

Question 1: Based on the case study, describe two strategies used by London to meet its water demand.

Answer: London uses imported water from the River Thames and the Lea, and has implemented leak reduction programs to conserve water.

Question 2: Identify one environmental challenge faced by London's water supply system.

Answer: Pollution of the River Thames affecting water quality.

Question 3: Explain how climate change could impact London's water supply in the future.

Answer: Climate change may lead to reduced rainfall and droughts, decreasing river flows and increasing the need for artificial water sources like desalination.

Question 4: Analyse the social and environmental implications of importing water to London.

Answer: Importing water helps meet high demand but can lead to environmental issues like habitat disruption downstream and increased carbon footprint. Socially, it can reduce water scarcity, but may also cause conflicts over water rights and costs.

Question 1: Explain why urban areas like London face higher water demand compared to rural areas.

Answer: Urban areas have higher population densities, more commercial and industrial activities, and greater household water use, leading to increased demand.

Question 2: Analyse the main reasons for water scarcity in the South East of England.

Answer: Factors include high population density, limited natural freshwater sources, over-extraction of groundwater, pollution, and increased demand due to climate change.

Question 3: Explain the environmental impacts of groundwater over-abstraction in the UK.

Answer: Over-abstraction can lead to land subsidence, reduced river flows, loss of habitat, and lowered water tables, impacting ecosystems.

Question 1: To what extent are water conservation measures effective in reducing UK water demand? Discuss both benefits and limitations.

Answer: Water conservation measures such as metering, public awareness campaigns, and leak repairs are effective in reducing demand by promoting responsible use. However, their success depends on public participation, infrastructure investment, and addressing climate change impacts. Limitations include initial costs and behavioural resistance, but overall, they are vital for sustainable water management.

Question 2: Evaluate the potential of desalination as a sustainable solution for future UK water supply needs.

Answer: Desalination offers a reliable alternative to traditional sources, especially in drought-prone areas like the South East. It provides high-quality water and reduces dependence on imported water. However, it is energy-intensive, expensive, and has environmental concerns such as brine disposal. While a useful supplementary solution, desalination alone is not entirely sustainable without renewable energy sources and environmental safeguards.