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Ecological degradation

The use of hydraulic engineering to redress the unequal distribution of water is, in many areas of the world, pushed to its ecological limits. The heavy use of irrigation in arid areas can lead to salts leaching to the surface, rendering the soil infertile, as here in Iraq.

Australia

Although Australia appears adequately supplied with water on a per capita basis, most of its inland area is desert, soils are thin and fragile, and the country drought-prone. Industrialized farming practices, including irrigation, have undermined long-term land productivity. Water shortage is becoming acute in certain cities, notably Perth.

Africa

The African continent demonstrates contrasting hydrological conditions: desert and semi-desert dominate the north, while countries through which great rivers flow are water-rich. One-third of Africa’s population – 300 million people – live under conditions of water scarcity but geography and costs limit the prospects for major hydraulic infrastructure.

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3 Water Shortage; 4 Rising Demand; 5 Dwindling Supply; 11 River Basin Stresses R

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