In our live-for-today world, even 15 years seems a a long way away, but at least 8 major cities around the world are already experiencing, or are soon about to, experience serious fresh water problems. Is this because of anthropological action or because of nature? What can be done?
In this programme, Dr Ger Bergkamp, Executive Director at the International Water Association from the Netherlands discusses problems and solution for meeting demand for fresh water in London, Miami, Tokyo and Cairo. In next week’s programme, Dr Bergkamp will cover Beijing, Bangalore and São Paulo.
The problems in London which arise from an increasing population, ageing water pipes, and a reluctance on behalf of Londoners to drink recycled water can all be solved, according to Dr Bergkamp. Moreover, London has an efficient regulatory system, which helps to improve water usage efficiency.
Things are not quite as hopeful in Miami, where an underground aquifer which supplies much of the city’s water is being polluted by sea water.
Dr Bergkamp recommends reconstructing the swamp lands around the city which have been running dry recently. This would restore pressure on the aquifer and thus reduce infiltration by sea water which is occurring by a process of osmosis.
Tokyo’s problems which are a result of a lack in frequency of monsoons cannot be solved by technology alone, the city has already employed the very latest technology to solve the problems. In Cairo, which is dependent on the Nile for its drinking water, which is being used as an open sewer, major investments are required on infrastructure, however a political solution is also required as the Nile flows through several nations which first have to agree to any major projects.
