According to Rango, one reason that water's economic value is likely to increase by the year 2100 is that: A. more water will be polluted by then. B. less water will be wasted due to more accurate predictions of the water supply. C. the sulfur and nitrogen content in snow is likely to increase. D. predicted climate changes will reduce overall snow accumulation.

Effective water management is critical for ensuring access to clean and usable water for both humans and the environment. It encompasses the distribution, usage, and conservation of water resources to meet current and future demands. With the right strategies, water can be used more efficiently, reducing waste and conserving this precious natural resource for future generations.

Water management techniques include improving irrigation methods, fixing leaks in urban water systems, and incorporating technology for better water supply forecasting. The development of advanced water purification and desalination technologies also plays a role in enhancing water management.

Importance of Accurate Predictions

Accurate predictions of water supply, though beneficial for water management, do not necessarily imply an immediate increase in water's economic value, as stated in solution B of the original exercise. Instead, such improvements help to mitigate waste and can be a preventive measure against potential scarcity.

Climate change has profound implications on water resources around the world. It can lead to more severe droughts, alter rainfall patterns, and reduce snow accumulation, as indicated by option D in the exercise. These changes negatively impact the availability of freshwater, a crucial resource for drinking, agriculture, and industry.

The reduced snow accumulation mentioned in the exercise directly leads to a smaller freshwater supply. Snowpacks act as natural reservoirs, releasing water during warmer months. A decline in these snow reservoirs means less water is available when demand is high, potentially increasing the economic value of water as it becomes a scarcer resource.

Adaptation Strategies

Adaptation strategies in response to climate change include developing drought-resistant crops, enhancing water storage capacity, and implementing water conservation measures. It's imperative that societies adjust their water management practices to contend with the impacts of climate change.

Water pollution is a significant issue that impacts not just the environment but also the economic value of water. Pollutants such as chemicals, waste, and microorganisms can make water unsafe for consumption and can destroy aquatic ecosystems.

As indicated in option A of the exercise, an increase in water pollution can lead to a decrease in the amount of usable water, thus potentially raising the economic value of clean, unpolluted water due to scarcity. Furthermore, options A and C suggest that pollution, including increased sulfur and nitrogen levels, can render water sources – such as snow – acidic and unfit for use without extensive treatment.

Combating Pollution

Efforts to combat water pollution range from enforcing stricter regulations on industrial discharge to promoting conservation efforts that protect watersheds. Addressing pollution is fundamental to ensuring a sustainable water supply and must be a key component of holistic water management strategies.