Key learning points

1. Sustainable strategies to increase water supply include water conservation, groundwater management and recycling.
2. The Turkana County water project, in Kenya, is an example of a local scheme to increase sustainable water supplies.
3. Groundwater management and improved water access has helped the community to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Keywords

• Sustainable - long-lasting, typically with minimal or no harmful impacts on the environment

• Water conservation - reducing waste, such as through leakages, and unnecessary use e.g. using drinking water to flush toilets

• Groundwater management - regulation and control of water levels, pollution, ownership and use of groundwater

• 'grey' water - water from sinks, showers and washing machines that, whilst not suitable for drinking, can be used for other purposes

Common misconception