Examine the significance of ‘water supply’ as a locational factor for rural settlements in the world.

Water supply is a significant location factor for rural settlements in the world. Water being the most basic human need, rural settlements tends to take place where there are water bodies in close vicinity like the lakes, springs and rivers. This gives better soil fertility and easy availability makes irrigation and agricultural activities smoother. Also, water is essential for day to day activities such as drinking, cooking and bathing. At times, people settle in places like islands that are surrounded by swamps or low lying rivers. This is done only to take advantage of the water supply. Other advantages associated with availability of water bodies include fishes which can be caught and used as food or if the rivers and lakes have navigable routes then it can be used for transportation as well. The inadequate supply of water in the rural areas has become an issue in the developing countries.

Types of Rural Settlement