GCSE Geography | UK Demand for Water (Resource Management - UK Overview 4)

Almost half of the UK’s water supply is for domestic use - this means in our homes. In the home there are many ways in which we use water, such as washing, drinking, cooking and cleaning, flushing the toilet and showering. However 1/5 of all UK water is wasted through leakage - the second biggest use of water after households.

The UK demand for water is growing for a number of reasons, firstly due to the increasing population, secondly, and linked to this is the fact that far more new homes are being built, thirdly, we have seen an increases in water-intensive domestic appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers. And finally changes in personal hygiene plays a part - most people now shower several times a week, whereas in the past, when houses did not have inside bathrooms, a weekly bath, shared between family members, was the norm.

In the UK on average we each use 150 litres of water a day.

Supply and demand

The main sources of water in the UK are rivers, reservoirs and groundwater aquifers, which is water held in rocks below the ground. The UK receives enough water to supply the demand – but it doesn’t always fall where it is most needed!

The north and west of the UK has a water surplus, where supply exceeds demand. There is high rainfall, lower evaporation rates and plenty of potential reservoir sites. These areas have a relatively low population density. Whereas the south and east of the country has a water deficit, where demand exceeds supply. This is the most densely populated part of the country and has the lowest annual rainfall.

Those areas suffering from serious water deficit issues are said to be experiencing water stress - which is the temporary inability to meet the water needs of the population, either because there is not enough water, or the water is poor quality (following contamination). Although it rains a lot in the UK, this rainfall is quite unreliable and we do experience periods of drought where the rainfall is well below average. During these times we sometimes see restrictions to our water use, such as hosepipe bans that stop non-essential uses of water, such as watering gardens and washing cars.

Water conservation

There are lots of ways to manage the issues of UK water supply and demand. We can save water by installing domestic water meters, meaning that you pay for every drop that you use, which makes people much more careful about not wasting water. We can also use recycled water, which is also known as grey water, which is water that has come from the bath or shower. It is good for irrigation as it contains nitrogen and phosphorus, however it is not very safe to store as it goes stagnant very quickly. Another way to conserve what is to ensure that you are buying more efficient appliances, such a low-flow toilets and washing machines that use less water to complete their cycles. And there are easy wins such as turning off the tap when you are brushing your teeth, and using showers instead of baths.