Water resources: agricultural and environmental issues.

BioScience, October, 2004 by David Pimentel

The increasing demands placed on file global water supply threaten biodiversity and the supply of water for food production and other vital human needs. Water shortages already exist in many regions, with more than one billion people without adequate drinking water. In addition, 90% of the infectious diseases in developing countries are transmitted from polluted water. Agriculture consumes about 70% of fresh water worldwide; for example, approximately 1000 liters (L) of water are required to produce 1 kilogram (kg) of cereal grain, and 43,000 L to produce 1 kg of beef New water supplies are likely to result from conservation, recycling, and improved water-use efficiency rather than from large development projects.

Keywords: water resources, environmental policy,...