ABSTRACT
Fresh water is vital for the survival of humans and most other organisms, and little development can take place without adequate supplies. It is frequently a sustainable resource if managed well, although some water supplies are finite and no matter how carefully used have a finite life. This chapter explores the problems caused by competition for water. Demand is past increasing so supplies must be better managed and valued more highly. To sustain water resources demands adequate environmental management; this is often lacking, resulting in degradation, and even temporary or permanent loss. Excessive exploitation and pollutants can damage surface water and groundwater supplies. Human development must either adapt to uneven water availability or manipulate supplies through strategies like reservoir storage. Freshwater supplies are mainly obtained from: Surface runoff: either short-lived flows following precipitation, or more stable streamflow. The Nile is seen by some to be a potential flashpoint.
