‘Physical factors are more important than human factors in determining strategies for managing water supply, but this may change in the future’

To what extent do you agree with this view?

AO1 – Knowledge and understanding of physical and human factors associated with water supply. Knowledge and understanding of strategies to manage water supply.

AO2 – Application of knowledge and understanding to evaluate the relative importance of physical and human factors associated with managing supply both now and in the future.

Notes for answers

The question links different parts of the Resource security section, specifically the physical and human geography factors that influence the availability of water, and the strategies that might be used to maintain supplies. Answers should project from present conditions to examine alternative possible futures.

AO1

Physical geography factors include climate, geology and drainage eg aquifers can store huge amounts of water underground; where rocks underlying a river basin are impermeable, water will remain on the surface creating a high drainage density. Areas with low rainfall, low groundwater supplies, few lakes or rivers, and generally arid conditions have difficulties accessing water.
Human geography factors: increasing use has resulted in limited water supplies shrinking continuously (especially groundwater supplies, which in essence are a non-renewable resource, and rivers that are diverted for a variety of reasons). There may be competing agricultural, industrial and human interests. For example, farming can increase the concentration of nutrients, pesticides, and suspended sediments. Industrial activities can increase concentrations of metals and toxic chemicals, add suspended sediment, increase temperature, and lower dissolved oxygen in the water. Other factors include price and accessibility.
Different types of strategy eg hi-tech versus intermediate, small community schemes versus large scale dams or transfers, or top- down versus bottom up. There could be funding contrasts also eg NGO –vs- government. A wide range of examples might be used, which should focus on water supply. These might include wells/tubewells which are generally organised at the community scale. They are often NGO funded, and vary from basic to quite hi- tech.
Knowledge and understanding of the factors that are likely to affect future water use and supply. According to the UN, by 2025, as much as two-thirds of the world population could be under water stress conditions. Changes in technology may affect the availability or supply of water, demand for water and levels of water use. Increases in temperature or decreases in vegetated area or biological diversity are likely to diminish available supplies.

AO2

Evaluation of water supply strategies and the relative importance of physical and human factors. Dams have to be built where the physical conditions are suitable, such as a deep valley with large head of water, high rainfall and high surface runoff, impermeable geology. Human factors may be of lower significance, but efficient systems of transport to areas of demand are essential. They are often multi-purpose so produce additional benefits and store water during dry periods. However, they are high cost, may lead to the displacement of people, and can silt up over time.
Analysis of water transfers. Water transfers are ultimately dependent on the supply of water from precipitation. They help to balance supply and demand and may be a long term solution. However, they are expensive and controversial and may deprive others of water they once had.
Analysis of desalinisation schemes Desalinisation schemes can in theory operate in any coastal location. They have an immediate benefit in terms of supply and can be used in areas where there is essentially no supply. However, they are expensive to build and run, can be built in coastal locations only, they are energy intensive and polluting and water cost may be high.
Analysis of low/intermediate technology such as lifestraw, pumpkin tanks and treadle pumps. These are relatively cheap. However, they are small scale and need dramatic upscaling to help significant numbers of people. Human factors are significant here
Analysis of how future changes will be affected by growing populations, levels of business activity, urbanisation patterns and climate change. Water consumption may need to be monitored closely due to extreme shortages in some areas, and growing levels of water stress. There may be greater use of large scale transfer schemes, dams and reservoirs, but sustainable small scale developments may be the way forward in many poorer countries.
Answers should evaluate the relative importance of the two sets of factors and reach a conclusion. This balance of physical and human factors may change as populations increase and there is greater pressure on supply. In reality the two sets of factors interrelate with each other. Strategic decision making relating to water supply is primarily dependent on the physical context, particularly the climatic regime and geological background, but demographic, economic and even geopolitical factors will determine the nature of strategies adopted.

Level 4 Description (16–20 marks)

Detailed evaluative conclusion that is rational and firmly based on knowledge and understanding which is applied to the context of the question. (AO2)
Detailed, coherent and relevant analysis and evaluation in the application of knowledge and understanding throughout (AO2).
Full evidence of links between knowledge and understanding to the application of knowledge and understanding in different contexts (AO2).
Detailed, highly relevant and appropriate knowledge and understanding of place(s) and environments used throughout (AO1).
Full and accurate knowledge and understanding of key concepts and processes throughout (AO1).
Detailed awareness of scale and temporal change which is well integrated where appropriate (AO1).

Water Security (AQA A Level Geography)

Topic Questions