Why is demand increasing?

Reasons for the rising demand

• Rising global population –From 2.5bn to 6.2bn between 1950 & 2000. Yet water supplies per person decreased by 1/3 1970-90.

• Economic development – which means industrial & domestic demand has grown.

• Rising living standards – people use more water for showers, washing machines ……..

Reasons for the rising demand 2

• Industrial development – The growth of manufacturing depends on water – steel & paper are major water users.

• Tourism – Massive increase in LICs, but take huge share of water resources ( golf courses, swimming pools)

• Agricultural demand – More people means more food. Area of irrigated land doubled in the twentieth century.

Reasons for the rising demand 3

• Climate change – This will affect rainfall, evaporation & water availability. The dry areas of LICs will be hit hardest.

• Energy – Consumption has increased with population growth & industrial development. LICs have vast untapped HEP resources. But storing water in reservoirs increases the amount of evaporation.