Where should the water come from?
A growing town needs more water. Compare supply, demand and the effects of each option.
Read the resource
| Year | Annual demand (million m³) | Reliable supply (million m³) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 18 | 22 |
| 2025 | 23 | 22 |
| 2030 | 27 | 22 |
The 2030 demand is a projection, not an observation. Reliable supply is the volume expected to be available through the year in this simplified model.
Before you answer
Find the command, the subject and any limits: place, time, one or two reasons, and which resource to use.
For an explanation, connect the cause to the outcome. For a judgement, use evidence to explain how effective, important or convincing something is.
Improve these answers
0 of 4 checked
A fresh resource
| Option | Extra available water (million m³/year) | Main issue |
|---|---|---|
| Leak repairs | 3 | Disruption during work |
| Reservoir | 8 | Valley habitat lost |
| Lower household use | 2 | Participation uncertain |
Try it yourself
Recommend a way to address a projected shortage of 5 million m³ per year. Compare an alternative and identify a condition for your recommendation.
One possible answer
Leak repairs and lower household use could together meet the modelled shortage of 5 million m³. They avoid flooding the valley, but demand reduction is uncertain. A reservoir offers more capacity but loses habitat. The combined approach needs monitoring and a backup if savings fall short.
Check your answer: did you address the question, use accurate evidence and explain the link?