How to increase freshwater sustainably

What is a major issue with pumping groundwater for food production and city use?

• It is too expensive.

• It is being pumped faster than it can be replenished by nature.

• It is not needed for cities.

• It is only used for industrial purposes.

What is a negative impact of dam-and-reservoir systems and water transfer projects?

• They are too cheap to maintain.

• They do not expand water distribution.

• They disrupt ecosystems and displace people.

• They are ineffective in storing water.

Why is desalination not widely used to increase freshwater supplies?

• It is too simple.

• It is ineffective.

• It is expensive.

• It is unnecessary.

What is one consequence of overpumping aquifers?

• Increases food production

• Lowers food prices

• Causes land subsidence and sinkhole development

• Improves water quality

Why does overpumping aquifers widen the gap between the rich and the poor?

• It increases water availability

• It raises food prices

• It reduces energy costs

• It improves irrigation methods

What happens when water tables drop due to overpumping?

• Water must be pumped from higher depths

• Water must be pumped from lower depths

• Water becomes more abundant

• Water quality improves

What is a potential effect of drawing salt water into freshwater aquifers?

• Makes water more drinkable

• Improves irrigation efficiency

• Makes water undrinkable/unusable for irrigation

• Increases freshwater supply

What does the map in the image primarily depict?

• Population density

• Aquifer depletion

• Rainfall distribution

• Temperature variations

What is one advantage of dam-and-reservoir systems?

• They increase the speed of river flow.

• They capture and store surface runoff from a river’s watershed.

• They reduce the amount of water in a river.

• They prevent all flooding in nearby areas.

What do water transfer projects use to move water from water-rich to water-poor regions?

• Canals and bridges

• Tunnels and wells

• Dams, pumps, and aqueducts

• Pipes and reservoirs