Approximately 70% of the Earth's surface is covered with water, with about 97% being saltwater(sea, oceans), 2% being frozen waters in the form of glaciers and 1% being freshwater that is ready and safe for human consumption. Water is an extremely important source as all humans need it for survival and to sustain life. It also allows us to carry out our daily activitiesm such as bathing and drinking.
Rising demand for water:
As the world population increases each day, more people means that more water is needed because water sustains life. So, more fresh water is needed for many important activities and thus, results in a rising demand for water.
As the world population increases, more food and not just water is needed. Therefore, more crops have to be grown in order to meet the needs of the people. Hence, when more crops are grown, more water is needed to water the crops and used for irrigation purposes.
More factories are being built and that leads to more water needed for the operation or cleaning of machines.
Changes in lifestyle is mainly due to urbanisation and the advancement of technology in the world. Swimming pools, washing machines and dishwashers are common sights and many people use them for convenience or enjoyment.
Since there is a constant rising demand for water in the world, the responses are the increase in water prices, conservation of water and using technology to increase our water supply. In Singapore, we have the "4 national taps" strategy and I feel that they are effective in helping to increase our water supply to meet our needs and expectation of urban life, though some are not as effective as others.
"4 national taps" strategy:
Singapore has a few local catchment areas such as bedok, seletar and mac ritchie reservoir. These areas allow the collection of rainwater and at the same time, helps in the conservation efforts of flora and fauna.
Singapore has international agreements with our neighbouring country, malaysia, so as to ensure a constant supply of clean water should other strategies fail. This is effective for a short period of time but is ineffective in the long run because contracts can expire. This means that the country will have to negotiate new terms again and the other country may not be a willing party.
Due to our advancement of technology, NEWater has been developed. It is basically recycled water that is clean and safe for huamn consumption.
Though this can supply us with clean water for drinking, it is extremely expensive if the country builds many desalination plants.
Reflection:
Overall, I feel that the main cause for the rising demand for water is urbanisation. Urbanisation also leads water pollution which can in turn lessen our supply of clean fresh water. Nowadays, we like to live a comfortable life so we also make use of many appliances that requires a lot of water. Urbanisation has also led to many other problems in the world, and not just water shortage. In conclusion, I think everyone should do our part in helping to conserve water because water is a very precious source for all living things on earth and even if we can only help a little, every drop of water saved counts!
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