Paper 3 – Pre-release issue evaluation• This is a summary of the key points from the pre-release.• This has potential questions and the answers.• This has a model answer for the potential 9 mark question.

How is rainfall distributed in the UK? Possible Question – Describe the pattern of rainfall in the UK.

Basically, if you describe this map, it goes like this. The North West and many high mountain areas in the West of the UK have a water surplus (more water than demand).

The south and south east have low levels of rainfall and a water deficit (not enough water to meet demand).

What is water stress, why does it occur in certain areas –Possible question – describe/explain why the South East experiences water stress.

The south east of the UK is the most densely populated part of the UK (highest population) and also the part of the UK that is estimated to experience the highest population growth in the future. It is also the region that has the highest amount of agriculture which also uses huge resources of water.

There is more demand for water, there is a water deficit and therefore this region experiences water stress/insecurity.

What are the potential solutions to deal with future water demand? Possible question – Describe/Explain what a water transfer scheme is.

Water transfer schemes – moving water using pipes and canals from rivers and underground from areas of water surplus to water deficit.

4 major projects have been suggested for the future – refer to the red projects on the Pre-release material.

Government is allowing companies to make money from selling water – could make water in South East more expensive, but north could benefit from more money in economy.

Opposition to the projects includes the impact on wildlife and landscapes, the cost of the projects and disruptive building work.

The overview of the UK water situation – page 2/3

Water demand in Oxfordshire – pages 4 & 5

What are the causes of water stress in Oxfordshire?

Possible question – describe a physical and human cause of water stress.

Physical reason – low rainfall and not enough water.

Human reasons –• increase demand for drinking water• more houses being built as population

increases• more industry and water leaking from

pipes (old infrastructure)

Benefits of building the reservoir in Abingdon?

Possible question – describer the benefits of the proposed new reservoir.

Site is largely agricultural – benefit = land is cheap to build on, doesn’t have any use apart from growing crops.

Low-lying clay vale – clay is impermeable so it is easy to store water as it wouldn’t leak into the soil.

20 metre embankment – not very high in height, won’t be much of an eyesore and could be landscaped with plants and trees.

Thames water management plan

Possible question – what are the main causes of water stress in the Thames water area?

• Substantially less rainfall than the national average.

• The population of the area is growing at over 100,000 per year.

• Climate change – hotter and drier summers means less rainfall when it’s most needed –leads to droughts.

Possible question – what is being done to make water use more sustainable?

• Homes are being fitted with low-volume flushing – less water used to flush the loo.

• Modern dishawashers and washing machines use less water to clean.• New homes have to be built to be water efficient and use less.• Homes/businesses recycling and reusing greywater.

Make sure you can do your map skills – page 5

What is the distance of the reservoir from west to east (3km) or north to south (4km)? Use the scale and a ruler to measure the distance.

What is the highest point in the proposed area – answer 62 meters.

What’s the 4 figure grid reference for the solar panel (renewable energy) farm? Answer 4493.

How would you describe the relief (height and shape) of the land? Answer – it’s low lying and flat – contour lines far apart.

How might commuters/local residents be impacted by the reservoir? Answer – journeys will be longer as road will need to be diverted around the reservoir to join East Hanney and Steventon.

The final decision – a new reservoir for Oxfordshire? Pages 6 & 7

Benefits – why should it be built?

• Ensures a sustainable (will not run out) water supply.• Ensures water is available, even if there is a future drought.• Without it, there could be a shortfall of 1 million litres a day by 2020.• Household water use is expected to increase from 1390 litres a day in 2014/15 to 1634 a

day in 2039/40.• The reservoir would create a nature reserve for birds and insects.• It would also be used by local residents for leisure and recreation – walks around the

reservoir, water sports, fishing etc.• An example of a successful reservoir is Farmoor, 7km from Oxford.• The building of it would create local jobs and bring money to the local economy.

Drawbacks – why shouldn’t it be built?

• Some people think it would destroy natural habitats.• Some people think that it could lead to increased flood risk along the rivers.• Campaigners against it say that the building works will cause additional traffic and

congestion.• Environmentalists think we should focus on water conservation and reducing our use of

it rather then building a reservoir.

Overall evaluation:

• The benefits of the project outweigh (are greater than) the drawbacks and so the project should go ahead.

Possible 9 mark questions and a model answer – Assess or Evaluate whether the proposed reservoir in Oxfordshire should be built. Use evidence from the resource booklet to justify your decision.

“In my opinion, the proposed reservoir should be built and there are a number of reasons for this, but there are also some reasons against it. Firstly, the reservoir is being built in a densely populated part of the south east of the UK where the lack of rainfall leads to a water deficit and water stress, especially during the summer.

The population is estimated to grow by over 100,000 every year (page 5) and consumption of water is estimated to increase to 1634 litres per household by 2039/40 (page 6). Without the additional water supply, there could be a shortfall of 1 million litres a day by 2020 (page 6). The reservoir is therefore essential to ensure parts of the south east have a sustainable water supply.

Further benefits of the reservoir are that it would create a natural habitat for birds and wildlife, it would provide opportunities for leisure such as boating, sailing and fishing and the construction of it would create jobs and money for the local economy.

However, those against the reservoir think that the construction would destroy wildlife habitats and farmland and that during construction, it would cause major congestion for commuters and people in the local area. In my opinion, these are short term problems for a longer term solution.

In conclusion, I believe that the reservoir needs to be built. A growing population, increasing demand and future water stress means the area needs a reliable and sustainable future water supply.”