The Global Water Gap By Borges and Kusena

Fig 2.36 pg 386 shows information on the average use of water per day between 1998&2008. Looks at selected LEDC’s and MEDC’s. They are separated by country according to average water supply per individual per day. The difference is the ‘water gap’ Can be split into 2 sections LEDC’s and MEDC’s. In ascending order of litres per day

LEDC’s General trend shows that most LEDC’s have the lowest average use per person per day(0-50) Some as low as 10L per day e.g. Mozambique Reasons: Poverty Pollution Political conflict Rapid population growth

Some exceptions.... India- monsoon rain storage in reservoirs and dams Brazil- Most towns are coastal, so they benefit from fresh water flowing to the sea from he rain forest affected by little pollution.

However.... Level of development does not affect the amount of water per person per day e.g. UK(140l)compared to Brazil(180l)

MEDC’s The US (570l) and Australia (490l)have the highest average use of water per person. Australia- Low population Good Economy Not necessarily good water supply. High individual income therefore have a low strain on resources They can afford sewage treatment, purification of sea water etc Don't have a good supply but can manage it well( most of central Australia is desert) Individuals can afford to pay extra for running water at home or bottled water

Other reasons Physical scarcity according to location. Climate (good in equatorial e.g. Brazil) Altitude Rivers & lakes Ground water supply Rainy season