Training Resource Description
Global water resources are being depleted at an alarming rate as a result of unprecedented population growth and widespread unsustainable management practises, and water resources are being polluted and over-exploited on unprecedented scales. Currently, millions of people, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, lack access to safe drinking water. Agricultural irrigation continues to be the largest consumer of fresh water resources, accounting for roughly 70% of total freshwater use, with this figure expected to rise by another 20% by 2050.
Water resource management is a critical part of many development challenges, and the ability of satellite data to provide insights and continuous monitoring enables new solutions in this key area. For example, in poorly gauged basins, real-time satellite estimates of precipitation and derived streamflow forecasts at several-day intervals can assist managers in allocating water among users and operating reservoirs more efficiently. Data on river and lake surface elevation can be used to estimate flow in upper basins and predict flow downstream in large rivers. Soil moisture observations can help forecast and monitor drought conditions, as well as provide insight into how much irrigation is required. Water managers in snow-dominated areas can use snow cover and snow water equivalent estimates to determine how much water is in storage and which watersheds it is stored in.
Earth Observation also allows for the monitoring of many surface water quality parameters in order to assess the effects of river basin management policies, land use practises, and nonpoint-source pollution, as well as the likelihood of algal blooms and other threats to the quality of water supply systems.