Topic Summaries

Factors affecting water supply

IGCSE > Geography > CIE > IGCSE Geography Topic Summaries > Food supply and water supply > Factors affecting water supply
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Weather hazards and atmospheric circulation

Tropical storm hazards

Responding to tropical storms

Hot desert ecosystems

Cold environment ecosystems

Glacial landscapes

Glacial landform processes

Water supply

Energy supply

  • Climate: areas with low rainfall or seasonal rainfall (e.g. deserts, monsoon regions) face water shortages. Climate change worsens droughts and reduces water availability in some regions.
  • Geology: permeable rocks (e.g. sandstone) allow water to infiltrate and form aquifers, providing underground water supplies. Areas with impermeable rocks (e.g. granite) may lack groundwater resources.
  • Pollution of supply: refers to industrial waste, agricultural runoff (e.g. fertilizers, pesticides), and untreated sewage contaminating water sources. Polluted water is unsafe for agriculture, industry, and especially drinking.
  • Overabstraction: refers to excessive removal of water from rivers, lakes, and aquifers depletes supplies. This can lead to drying up of rivers.
  • Limited infrastructure: poor infrastructure in LICs/NEEs limits access to clean water (e.g. lack of pipes, reservoirs, or treatment plants).
  • Poverty: poor communities cannot afford water infrastructure or access to clean water. Reliance on unsafe water sources or the need to travel far distances for water increases health risks.

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