A prime cause of the global water concern is the increasing world population. As population grows, industrial, agricultural and individual water demands become greater. According to WHO, world-wide demand for water is doubling every 21 years, more in some regions. Water supply cannot remotely keep pace with demand, as population rises very quickly and cities explode. Meanwhile, many countries suffer accelerating desertification. Water quality is deteriorating areas of the developing world as population increases and salinity caused by industrial farms rises. About 95 percent of the world's cities still dump raw sewage into their rivers. In addition, some experts claim that climate change has the potential to worsen the gloomy situation. With higher temperatures and more rapid melting of winter snow, less water supplies will be available to farms and cities during summer months.
36. What makes water demands become more serious?
A. climate change
B. population growth
C. developing countries
D. big cities
37. What is happening in many countries at present?
A. Their land becomes dry.
B. Their land becomes poor.
C. Their land becomes rich.
D. Their land becomes good for farming.
38. How long is world-wide demand for water doubling?
A. in 21 years B. after 21 years
C. in 42 years D. every 21 years
39. ‘Water quality is deteriorating areas of the developing world’ means
A. water quality becomes worse in areas of the developing world
B. water quality is changing areas of the developing world
C. water quality becomes better in areas of the developing world
D. water quality becomes short in areas of the developing world
40. Water supply cannot remotely keep pace with demand because
A. population and cities increase very quickly
B. climate changes quickly
C. demands for farming remain unchanged
D. demands for industry is increasing
