What is the primary purpose of water transfer schemes?

The primary purpose of water transfer schemes is to transport water from one basin to another to alleviate shortages. These schemes are often implemented in areas where water supply is insufficient to meet the needs of the population or agriculture. By transferring water from regions that have an abundant supply to those that are experiencing water scarcity, these schemes help ensure that essential water resources are more effectively distributed. This can also help support economic activities, such as farming and industry, which depend heavily on a reliable water supply.

In contrast, purifying water for drinking is a process separate from water transfer schemes, focusing on making existing water sources safe for human consumption. Increasing water demand in an area would not align with the objectives of a water transfer scheme, which aims to balance supply and demand rather than exacerbate demand issues. Developing renewable water sources, such as rainwater harvesting or desalination, is also not the primary goal of water transfer schemes, which focus more on redistributing existing water resources rather than creating new ones.