II. Water exploitation area
Water exploitation means extracting water for irrigation and human consumption. Water exploitation is closely linked to agriculture, especially in the Mediterranean coastal region where intensive irrigated agriculture is widespread. However, in many regions, a significant contribution to water exploitation is related to the industrial and residential sectors and, seasonally, to tourism. Water exploitation can be estimated through the “exploitation index” which is defined as the withdrawal of conventional freshwater resources (surface and groundwater) from the total renewable resources (expressed as a percentage).
1. Agricultural Use:
o Irrigated Agriculture: large-scale agricultural areas where water is heavily utilized for irrigation to support crop growth.
o Livestock Farming, where water is used for watering livestock and sustaining animal agriculture.
2. Industrial Zones:
o Manufacturing and Processing: areas with industries that require significant water for manufacturing, cooling, and various production processes.
o Mining and Extractive Industries: regions associated with mining, oil, and gas extraction that use water for extraction and processing purposes.
3. Urban Areas:
o Municipal Supply: Cities and urban centers that rely on water for drinking, sanitation, household use, and public services.
o Infrastructure Development: Growing urban areas where water is utilized for construction, landscaping, and infrastructure development.
4. Energy Production:
o Hydroelectric Power Generation: Sites with hydroelectric power plants that exploit water resources for electricity production.
o Thermal Power Plants: Areas utilizing water for cooling systems in thermal power generation.
Challenges in Water Exploitation Fields:
- Water Stress: High demand for water resources can lead to stress on available supplies, resulting in water scarcity and potential conflicts over access.
- Ecological Impacts: Over exploitation of water bodies can have adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, water quality, and habitat degradation.
- Groundwater Depletion: Excessive extraction from aquifers can lead to groundwater depletion, causing long-term issues with water availability and subsidence in some regions.
- Climate Change Effects: Changing climate patterns can exacerbate water stress in these areas, affecting the reliability and availability of water resources.