Feasibility of Different Techniques for Providing Fresh Water to Arid Regions of the World - Report Example

Feasibility of Different Techniques for Providing Fresh Water to Arid Regions of the World (College) 0 IntroductionLife on earth depends almost entirely on water. Water scarcity will be more critical in the future since population growth in arid and semi-arid areas exceed those in more humid settings (Scanlon et al., p. 3335). The activities related to efficient water conservation and management in arid areas is mainly determined by the nature of hydrological cycle in the area. The mean annual precipitation in arid areas is characterized by relatively law, sporadic and unreliable rainfall which is unevenly distributed over the landscapes. The people in these areas crave for water and are therefore obliged to walk long distances in search of it. Because of these reasons and conditions the location of water supply sources pose great challenges for both suppliers and water users alike. This report purposes to compare and recommend on the feasibility of different techniques for providing fresh water to arid regions of the world. 2.0 Background "Increasing water demands create potential conflicts between human needs and those of native ecosystems." (Ecological Society of America, 2001, p. 6). Wang et el. (2007) affirms that populated arid and semi-arid areas occupy approximately 30% of the total global land area and that water shortages are a major stumbling block to social and economic development in these regions. In the supply of fresh water to the arid regions of the world, rationality and fairness should prevail. In the rational distribution of water resources, a balance between demand and supply must be considered together with other factors as annual rainfall distribution as well as various economic sectors in a region (Wang et al., 2007, p. 2). The fairness and efficiency of fresh water distribution are overriding principles in arid areas. A dynamic model for equitable provision of fresh water in arid regions is a pivotal measure towards the eradication of misfortunes that result from the absence of water in the human residence. 3.0 Presentation of Options and Requirements There are several techniques of providing fresh water to arid regions of the world. Weighing these techniques as options is essential in figuring out which one of them emerges as appropriately effective. The options must be entirely based on creditable requirements. The options as follows: 1. Recycling of waste water. 2. Transportation of water over long distance in pipes. 3. Harvesting ground water using boreholes. 4. Desalination 4.0 Comparison Options Mays (2009) reveals that waste water collection (sewage) can be treated for human consumption. He argues that under particular specifications sewage water could be made safe for consumption however little there is in the arid and semi-arid areas. The water treatment process is a biological process that takes place in water treatment plants. As much as this water is scientifically proven to be safe for human consumption, it is normally hard to convince consumers that it is 100% safe due to their disturbed minds regarding the source of the water (Stephenson et al., 2004). With a close reference to the National Academy of Science (2001), there are challenges associated with the recycling of waste water especially in the part of decision making and implementation. Nevertheless, it is indicative to put in mind that these are just but administrative problems that can be addressed and that this technique can be put to practical shape. Statistically, the National Academy of Science further reveals that the U.S.A. is the leading in the implementation of this technique as evidenced in the graph below. Figure 4.0(a). Curtsey of the National Academy of Science. "Another option for augmenting water supplies is the transport of water over long distances, over land in pipes..." (Loucks & Gladwell, 1999). However costly it might be, this proves to be one of the most commonly used methods to supply water in towns and extending the technique to arid areas is an effective alternative towards saving lives. Loucks & Gladwell further reveal an almost similar technique that involves hauling water in flexible bags for water-rich regions to water-poor regions along ocean or sea coasts. This is presented just as a proposal. The large scale transfer of water bring with them unacceptable environmental, economic and political costs. With reference to Colorado River Basin Water Supply and Demand Study (2012), the historical supply and use of pipeline water proves that the water was used in millions of acres within an average of 10 year period. This is a clear implication that pipeline water can be of great importance in arid areas not only for human consumption but also for economic growth. Figure 4.0(b). Curtsey of U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, 2012 Harvesting of groundwater using boreholes is yet another remedy to quench the thirst of arid settlers. Indubitably, surface water is on the verge of diminishing in arid areas. According to Wheater et al. (2010), ground water uses natural storage, is spatially distributed and in areas where evaporation rate is high the water is prevented from evaporating by the overlying earth layer. Agricultural practices in arid areas can be improved by engaging the ground water into the practice. However there is a grave problem with this technique; the ground water has been depleting over the years in almost all parts of the world. This is evidenced by Keller (2013) in the High Country News. Figure 4.0(c). Courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey (1900-2008) Desalination, sometimes referred to as distillation, is the process of removing salt in sea water making it fresh for consumption. Mays (2009) affirms that desalination is extremely suitable for the supply of fresh water in arid areas. Additionally, Mays (2009) points out that the method removes most of the contaminants in drinking water making it safe. Some countries in arid areas have already embraced the technique and are now using desalination to increase their fresh water supply level. According to Shemang et al. (2004), California and Florida account for about 6.5% of the desalinated water supplied in the world. A report by Herington (2010) shows that desalination market is on the rise and predicts a gradual rise till 2020. The report reveals that there is potential in desalination as water supply technique in arid areas in the world. Figure 4.0(d). Courtesy of Aqua Membranes, 2010 5.0 Conclusion This paper assessed the feasibility of different techniques that could be used to provide fresh water to arid regions in the world. The techniques used here are recycling of waste water, transportation of water over long distance in pipes, harvesting ground water using boreholes and desalination. Recycled water from waste is efficient except that some people find it hard to believe that the water is safe for consumption based on sentiments. Transportation of water using pipes over long distances is also a reliable and effective method only that it faces a main challenge of expense. Harvesting of ground water on the other hand proves to be one of the most commonly used methods but does not seem to last long a ground water is depleting as years go by. Finally, desalination seems to be a quite prominent technique that can only be compromised in areas very far from the sea or ocean. An entire comparison of the technique shows that besides their limitations they are economically feasible and can guarantee sustainable supply of fresh water in arid areas all over the world. 6.0 Recommendations It is recommendable that all governments in arid areas rise up to this matter and take control over water supply by subjecting suitable and credible techniques. It is only through engaging the people in the affected areas that a breakthrough in adequate water supply can be achieved. 7.0 Reference List Herrington, R 2010, Serving the Water Needs of Mankind, Aqua Membranes, Retrieved from http://www.aquamembranes.com, Retrieved on November 25, 2014. Keller, S. J 2013, Dry News from the Water Marines, High Country News, Retrieved from http://www.hcn.org/blogs/goat/sucking the west dry, Retrieved on November 25, 2014. Lipkau, R 2012, Colorado River Basin Water Supply and Demand Study, Reclamation, U.S Bureau of Reclamation. Retrieved from http://www.usbr.gov, last updated on September 2013, Retrieved on November 25, 2014. Loucks, D. P & Gladwell, J. S 1999, Sustainability Criteria for Water Resource Systems, Cambridge University Press. U.K, pp. 15. Mays, L 2009, Integrated Urban Water Management: Arid and Semi-Arid Regions, UNESCO-IHP, Taylor & Francis, New York. National Academy of Science 2001, More Water for Arid Lands: Promising Technologies and Research Opportunities, The Minerva Group, Honolulu, Hawaii. Scanlon, B. R, Keese, K. E, Flint, A. L, Flint, L. E, Gaye, C. B, Edmunds, W. M & Simmers, I 2006, Global Synthesis of Ground Water Recharge in Semi-Arid and Arid Regions, Wiley Inter-Science, Texas U.S.A, pp. 3335-3370. Shemang, S, Choka, R & Stephenson, D 2004, Water Resources of Arid Areas: Proceedings of International Conference on Water Resources of Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Africa, Gaborone and Botswana, Tylor and Francis, New York. Wang, J. F, Cheng, G. D, Gao, Y. G, Long, A. H, Xu, Z. M, Li, X, Chen, H & Barker, T 2007, Optimal Water Resource Allocation in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas, Springer Science, doi: 10.1007./s11269-007-9155-2. Water in a Changing World 2001, Ecological Society of America, Number 9. Web. Wheater, H. S, Mothis, H. A & Li, X 2010, Ground Water Modelling in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas, Cambridge University Press, U.K pp. 16-20. Read More