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Essay on Water Scarcity

Water is the basic necessity of every human being, but water scarcity is a major issue that is rising very rapidly in India nowadays. The problem has become so severe that in many states the groundwater has almost dried up and people have to depend on water supply from other sources. In addition, water is one of the most misused natural resources that we still waste. It is the central point of our lives but unfortunately, not our priority concern. 

Earlier, people understood the value of water and planned their lives around it. Moreover, many civilizations were born and lost around water, but today, in spite of having knowledge, we still fail to understand the value of water in our lives. 

Reasons for Water Scarcity

Mismanagement of water and the growing population in our country are the two main reasons for water scarcity. There are also a number of other man made disturbances that continue to rise. Besides this, some of the reasons for water scarcity are:  

Wasteful Use of Water for Agriculture  

India, an agricultural country, produces a huge quantity of food to feed its population. The surplus that is left, gets exported outside. 

It is not unknown that producing this much food requires a lot of water too. The traditional method of irrigation wastes a lot of water due to evaporation, water conveyance, drainage, percolation, and the overuse of groundwater. Besides, most of the areas in India use traditional irrigation techniques that stress the availability of water.

However, the technique of irrigation has changed during modern times and we provide water to plants using a sprinkler or drip irrigation.

Reduction in Water Recharges Systems  

Rapid construction that uses concrete and marbles may not let the rainwater get absorbed in the soil, but still, we install some mechanism in our houses so that we can hold the rainwater. Then we can recharge the groundwater.

Lack of Water Management and Distribution

There is a need for an efficient system to manage and distribute the water in urban areas. The Indian government also needs to enhance its technology and investment in water treatment. Besides, we should ensure optimization at the planning level.

Solutions to Overcome this Problem

Close the running tap.

 During dishwashing and hand washing people often let the tap run. These running taps waste thousands of liters of water per year. Therefore, closing the tap will reduce this problem.

Replace Dripping Taps  

In India, it is commonly seen that most of the houses have taps or faucets that go on dripping water even when they are closed. This running tap wastes up to 30,000 liters of water that nobody bothers to change. So, we should replace these taps immediately.

Brief on Water Scarcity  

Water is a basic necessity for every living being.  Life without water is impossible, not just for us humans, but for all plants and animals too. Water scarcity is an issue of grave concern these days as water scarcity has become very common. Water is one of the most wasted natural resources and corrective measures should be taken before the water scarcity situation becomes worse. In spite of being aware of the implications, not much is being done today. 

In India, and across the world, it has been recorded that about half a billion people face a shortage of water for about six months annually. Many well-known cities around the world are facing acute scarcity of water. Many facts and figures are available to know about the water scarcity problem, but what are the reasons for this scarcity? 

With the growing population, the use of water has increased manifold. The lack of more freshwater sources and the increase in population is a major reason for this scarcity. The lack of proper Water management systems and proper drainage systems in India, especially in the urban areas is a major cause too. Kitchen wastewater should be able to be recycled but due to a poor drainage system, this is not possible. An efficient water management system is required in order to distribute water in urban areas.

Another major issue is Deforestation. Areas with more greenery and plants are known to have good rainfall.  Industrialisation and urbanization are two major factors here. Due to Deforestation, and cutting down of trees, rainfall has become an issue too.

Rivers are a major source of fresh water in India. Today we see a lot of industries that have come up and all of them are mostly near the rivers and these rivers become highly polluted as a result of all the industrial waste.

Effect of Global Warming and Climate Change

Global Warming and Climate Change are also responsible for the scarcity of water. The melting of icebergs into the sea due to the rise in temperatures is a reason as to how salty water is increasing day by day instead of freshwater. The percentage of rainfall has decreased drastically these days. Climate change along with the decrease in rainfall percentage has greatly affected freshwater bodies. 

Water scarcity has become a major problem and an alarming issue these days, and we must consciously strive to work together to find some solution to this issue of water scarcity. The Indian government today has formulated and come up with many plans on how to tackle and solve this problem.

To conclude, water scarcity has become an alarming issue day by day. If we do not take the problem of water scarcity seriously now, our future generations are going to suffer severely and may even have to buy this necessity at a high cost.

FAQs on Water Scarcity Essay

1.  What are the reasons for Water Scarcity?

The lack of proper Water Management and proper Drainage system plays a major role. Many other factors and reasons can be held responsible for the scarcity of water. Some of the major reasons are Global Warming and Climate Change; Pollution of the rivers due to industrialization; Deforestation and the cutting down of trees is another reason; Reduced percentage of rainfall due to the climate change pattern; Increase in the population which leads to increase in the use of water.  Learn more about water scarcity on Vedantu website helpful for long-term.

2. What is meant by the scarcity of water?

The scarcity of water means a shortage of water and not being able to manage the demand and supply of water. Water scarcity refers to the lack of freshwater bodies to meet the standard quantity and demand of water. Unequal distribution of water due to factors like Climate Change and Global Warming. Water Scarcity is also due to pollution and lack of rainfall. Water scarcity means a scarcity due to some physical scarcity or scarcity due to the lack of regular supply.

3. What are the two types of water scarcity?

Physical water scarcity is the result of regions' demand outpacing the limited water resources found in that location. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, about 1.2 billion people live in areas of physical scarcity and many of these people live in arid or semi-arid regions. People who are affected by this Physical kind of water scarcity are expected to grow as the population increases and as the weather patterns keep changing as a result of climate change.

Economic water scarcity is due to the lack of proper water infrastructure and a proper water management system or also because of poor management of water resources. The FAO estimates that more than 1.6 billion people face economic water shortages today. Economic water scarcity can also take place because of the unregulated use of water for agriculture and industry.

4.  How can we solve the problem?

Conscious awareness is required to deal with and understand the problem of water scarcity. We can start off by consciously saving water in our homes and surroundings.  Small easy steps like taking care when washing hands, or when working in the kitchen, have to be taken. The running water taps are a major reason for losing hundreds of liters of water on a daily basis. And we should be careful not to waste this water. Conscious decision to save and the need to understand the problem of water scarcity is of utmost importance.

5. How do we waste water?

Water is wasted in ways we do not even realize, in our homes and in our workplaces. When we brush our teeth, when we shave or when we wash the dishes, one of the most common things we do is to keep the water running, especially when running water is available. As soon as we begin cleaning or washing, we do not think of the water that is being wasted. While washing hands, we leave the water tap on, which results in wasting water too. Small things like these should be kept in mind and this could be our small step towards preserving water.

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Exploring the Most Efficient Solutions to Water Scarcity

70% of the planet is covered in water, a key resource for almost every aspect of life and a major factor in health, peace, and security across the world. SDG 6 looks to ‘ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all’ by 2030; a quite ambitious task considering that 2.3 billion people – or one-quarter of the world’s population – live in water-stressed countries. Physical water scarcity refers to the lack of sufficient water in an area, whereas economic water scarcity occurs when people cannot afford access to water. The consequences are disproportionately felt by the poorest and most vulnerable. Although there is no international mandate, governments around the world have implemented policies and strategies to help tackle the issue. In this article, we explore some of the most common solutions to water scarcity.

What Are the Causes of Water Scarcity?

Only 3% of the world’s freshwater is accessible, with the rest frozen in glaciers or otherwise unavailable to us. Pressure from water scarcity is distributed as unequally as water distribution. One-third of those living in water-stressed countries are under critical threat – that’s nearly ten percent of the global population.

Contamination is responsible for the death of millions of people every year. Water laden with sewage and waste from agriculture and industry flows through most rivers and streams without treatment, allowing pesticides and toxic chemicals to leach into the groundwater and freshwater systems, critically lowering the availability of water resources .

Population growth and urbanisation drive an increase in demand for freshwater. Several countries around the world, from China and South Africa to some European nations and several US states have experienced water crises and droughts in recent years. 

Climate change expresses itself through water . In altering the global temperature and precipitation patterns, global warming vastly impacts the quality and spatial distribution of global resources. Drought and wildfires occur more frequently thanks to faster water evaporation from the soil and increasingly arid conditions. Of course, climate change also contributes to rising sea levels and mass flooding.  

You might also like: Water Shortage: Causes and Effects

What Are the Consequences of Water Scarcity?

The effects of water scarcity are glaring but are not confined to the obvious health, poverty, and disease-causing issues. According to water.org , nearly one million people die every year from water, sanitation, and hygiene-related diseases, all of which could be reduced by securing access to safe water and sanitation.

Water is a lifeline, not only for human survival but also for food production. According to the World Bank, agriculture accounts for 70% of all freshwater withdrawals globally and this is only expected to grow as the world population continues to grow .   

It is estimated that over 140 million people will be forced to migrate within their countries by 2050 due to climate change. It is estimated that around 500 million women do not have access to menstrual products or safe, hygienic spaces to use them, and 446,000 children under 5 die due to diarrhoea which is linked to inadequate WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) – equating to 9% of the 5.8 million deaths of children globally.

Inequality in access to water can also be a catalyst to conflict. In 2013, 27 conflicts around the world were related to water, rising to 71 in 2017. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has exacerbated water-related tensions by targeting civilian infrastructure. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates that 1.4 million Ukrainians now have no access to safe water, with a further 4.6 million experiencing limited access. 

In Egypt, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam could reduce the water flowing downstream. Ethiopia is keen to fill it in just six years, causing Egypt to lose 36% of its water supply.  

“Many of the wars of the 20th century were about oil but wars of the 21st century will be about water unless we change the way in which we manage it,” said Ismail Serageldin, the former vice president of the World Bank.

Nine out of ten natural disasters, like storms, floods, droughts, etc., are water-related. Wetlands are an integral part of biodiversity, supporting living things, the cultivation of rice, and water filtration, alongside flood control and storm protection. More than half the world’s wetlands have dried up.

Water Scarcity Around the World

Niger is a region experiencing continual water scarcity thanks to drought and degraded soils. In 2017, only 50% of the Nigerian population had proper access to drinking water. A large proportion of forested areas has been lost to demand for firewood and wood products by a quick-growing population that led to rapid deforestation , exacerbating water scarcity. The World Bank is investing in helping Niger harness its scarce water resources via The Integrated Water Security Platform , which aims to use disruptive technologies to promote proper management of Niger’s water, improve water supply, sanitation, and irrigation service delivery, and increase long-term sustainability. It is projected that 3 million people will benefit from this project. 

Further attempts by the government to replace fallen trees have been thwarted by ill-defined rights, but they have since managed to implement agroforestry . Following the reintroduction of trees, access to water in the country is finally improving. 

Chile is projected to be one of the most vulnerable countries in the face of worsening global warming. Each year for more than a decade, rainfall has been below average in the central areas of the country. Record high temperatures and more frequent heatwaves have further exacerbated the situation, leading to what experts refer to as a megadrought. But the water crisis in Chile is nothing new. In fact, it began over a decade ago and scientists attribute around 25% of its severity to human-induced climate change.

Former Chilean Agricultural Minister Maria Undurraga, said that the drought is “no longer an emergency [but] it turned into structural change.” 

The key to solving the Chilean water struggles lies in better governance, committing to net-zero infrastructure, and implementing a new constitution. However, following the 2022 referendum to determine public opinion on a New Political Constitution and its subsequent overwhelming rejection, the government’s ability to implement significant change has been challenging.

You might also like: ​​ Chile Water Crisis: 13 Years and Counting

The Water Project in Kenya is funding pioneering sand dam construction to help unlock potential through sustainable and community-constructed solutions. Only requiring a seasonal river, the approach has seen 130 sand dams built across the country.

Aquifers provide water and time for productive farming and allow for progression in techniques such as inter-cropping, zero-grazing, and seed banks, securing food supply even in drought. They provide a lifeline for people with clean and reliable water within 30-90 minutes of people’s homes .

4. South Africa

South Africa’s population has increased exponentially in recent years, but the infrastructure is vastly underprepared . Since the 2018 water shortage in Cape Town, official mandates regarding significant reductions in water usage have proved ineffective and have led to overcrowded communal taps, dangerous bore-holing, and the dangerous acceptance of contaminated groundwater sources to combat the drought.

The government sanctioned the drilling of boreholes near hospitals and schools for access to water underground but this is considered by many just a short-term solution. Saline water intrusions will render the water undrinkable in as little as six months , according to professor Phumelele Gama of Nelson Mandela University, so a different approach is required to solve South Africa’s water crisis. 

You might also like: Water Crisis in South Africa: Causes, Effects, And Solutions

A number of European nations are dealing with water scarcity. 

Last year, the longest river in Italy, the River Po, almost entirely dried out . The river stretches 405 miles (652 km), meandering through some of the country’s major cities, and has suffered massively at the hands of soaring temperatures and lack of precipitation. The direct impact on crops and feed production for livestock has resulted in major crop loss. Besides agriculture, the drought also critically affected hydropower energy generation.

Similarly, River Rhine, Germany’s main economic artery and Europe’s most important river, dried out completely in some areas amid last year’s drought, which experts dubbed the worst the continent has experienced in 500 years . With water levels dropping to a critical depth of 40 centimetres (just under 16 inches) or even below, most large ships transporting goods, including coal to diesel, were effectively unable to transit for days, with major repercussion on trade across the entire continent. 

Elsewhere in Europe, Barcelona was forced to import water supply from France after experiencing water shortages in its reservoirs over the arid summer of 2008, while demand for water in London is predicted to exceed what can be supplied within the next decade. 

2.3 billion people – or one-quarter of the world’s population – live in water-stressed countries.

Short-Term Solutions to Water Scarcity

Although water scarcity must be viewed as an ongoing problem, there are a few short term approaches that can help relieve pressure.

Concern USA , a global humanitarian organisation, highlights the efficacy of water trucking. By providing water to refugee areas during infrastructure improvement, drought or displacement, individuals can have access to clean water, while installing pumps in refugee camps can also help.

Water traded as a commodity is a moral conundrum: it puts basic human rights in the hands of financial institutions. But there is evidence to suggest that a water market , which allows resources to be allocated in accordance with the highest need, is beneficial. Underlying economic incentive renders the market effective as it promotes conservation and discourages overuse of water for monetary reward. Nations where water trading is utilised include the UK, Chile, and the US.

While short-term solutions are vital in ensuring the health and wellbeing of people dramatically affected by water scarcity, long-term approaches must be at the forefront of the international and local agendas.  

Long-Term Solutions to Water Scarcity

1. infrastructure.

Lacking infrastructure has devastating effects on human health and the economy, and fragile pipework and lack of supply to major regions not only waste resources but also impact everyone’s quality of life.

For this reason, smart investments in clean water and sanitation prevent needless deaths and transform lives. According to the United Nations, 100-200bn cubic metres of water could be saved globally by 2030 in urban areas simply by reducing leaks. 

It is up to cities to ensure the infrastructure is in place to deal with water scarcity in the face of warming global temperatures. A good example of an infrastructure-based solution to water scarcity is the smart-water management system utilised in South Korea, an innovative system that helps improve the reliability, soundness and efficiency of water management.

In China, the ‘sponge city’ initiative seeks to reuse 70% of rainwater and introduce wetlands by using the landscape to retain water, slow down the flow and clean it. In encouraging the reabsorption of water back into the groundwater system, China is taking steps to tackle water scarcity and prevent flooding.

Aqueducts move water to areas where it is required the most. However, they are not always efficient in tackling water shortages. The Owens Lake and Mono Lake in California, for example, started to disappear after the water supply was diverted to the Los Angeles aqueduct, aggravating drought conditions. Aqueducts therefore may not be the best solution to water scarcity. 

2. Irrigation and Agriculture 

According to a World Economic Forum report , sustainable and efficient agricultural management techniques “are needed to grow more food on less land and with less water.”

Reservoirs have their advantages. They collect water during wetter times and store it to use during the dry season. They are also used to generate electricity and can be a crucial instrument in the prevention of floods. While effective in helping water-stress nations, reservoirs are also sometimes associated with downstream river erosion and can have a detrimental impact on ecosystems as well, changing a river to a lake habitat and interfering with migration and spawning of fish.

Desalination removes dissolved salt and minerals from plentiful seawater, freeing up water for consumption. However, these processes are expensive and require large amounts of energy to perform. Saudi Arabia is utilising solar-powered plants for desalination, while the UK is opting for small-scale facilities for agriculture.

Individual households can also consider reusing water by rerouting sink water to flush the toilet. On a larger scale, sewage wastewater can be purified and turned into drinking water, or used for agriculture, municipal water supply, industrial processes, and environmental restoration.

3. Conservation

We waste an incomprehensible amount of water each year, mostly indirectly through agricultural processes, the automotive industry, and mining . According to the World Water Council , water usage via irrigation and agriculture accounts for 70% of water withdrawals, while industry accounts for 20% .

A UK statement to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe ( OSCE ) stressed the importance of “sustainable management of natural resources to mitigate impacts of climate and biodiversity crises”, including water. By eliminating pollution and continuing to measure and manage pollution and water quality, we can work toward human health and biodiversity protection.

4. Community

Building communities around local water systems and resources can help raise awareness and educate people on consumption and a sustainable lifestyle. The World Wildlife Fund ( WWF ) supports organisations to become responsible water stewards at both the global and local levels, including the Alliance for Water Stewardship , a globally accepted framework for major water users which promotes the sustainable use of water and other local projects. The Alliance offers solutions for reducing the impact of water scarcity by tracking and controlling water use.

Educating people on changing or improving their behaviour for the better could hold the key to greatly reducing water crises in the future. This, however, will require a major overhaul of all forms of consumption including individual use and supply chains of major corporations .

5. International Cooperation

Transboundary cooperation is needed to guarantee equal access to this vital resource worldwide and for economic well-being. Binding international frameworks for natural resources is hard to achieve, as evidenced by the 2009 UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, which attempted to solidify emission pledges from all major economies. Unfortunately, it resulted in no clear path toward a treaty with binding commitments.

Transboundary agreements are equally hard to manage but international bodies must keep trying. Securing quality drinking water at the local level is essential to building international bridges and finding long-term solutions.

Policy Suggestions

The need for effective policy founded in evidence-based decisions means recognising water value in different societies and implementing integrated approaches to water resource management.

Political commitment and leadership, technological innovations as well as breakthroughs in service delivery and financing models are all needed to support governments in delivering on their commitment to SDG 6.2. Building strong institutions and facilitating dialogue and information systems that can support resource management will allow cooperative agreements to be reached. 

In the European Union, for example, the Water Framework Directive (2000) provides guidelines to address water scarcity and drought, while water scarcity and droughts are recognised as a priority in the 2021 European Green Deal and are reflected in strategies such as the Adaptation to Climate Change, the 2020 Circular Economy Action Plan and the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 . 

Legislation must be rolled out on an international scale to ensure the taming of water crises across the world.

Final Thoughts

The success of the rest of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) lies on the shoulders of a functioning water cycle, as water, as the UN states , drives “economic growth, supports healthy ecosystems and is essential and fundamental for life itself.”

Despite the success of some nations in combating complications related to water scarcity, the world still has a long way to go to secure safe and accessible water for everyone. Not only does infrastructure need to be improved to cope with water scarcity, but human approaches to water must undergo a dramatic shift. Innovation and technology require economic capital in order to fully invest in these procedures – unfortunately a luxury only the developed world has access to. Policy and legislation must also be upheld.

If you want to learn more about solutions to water scarcity, check out this article next: Water Trading Market: A Solution to Water Scarcity?

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13.3: Water Scarcity and Solutions

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• Melissa Ha and Rachel Schleiger
• Yuba College & Butte College via ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative

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One of the most important environmental goals is to provide clean water to all people. Fortunately, water is a renewable resource and is difficult to destroy. Evaporation and precipitation combine to replenish our fresh water supply constantly; however, water availability is complicated by its uneven distribution over the Earth.

Water Scarcity

The water crisis refers to a global situation where people in many areas lack access to sufficient water, clean water, or both. Arid climate and densely populated areas have combined in many parts of the world to create water shortages, which are projected to worsen in the coming years due to population growth, water overuse, water pollution, and climate change. Specifically, climate change shifts precipitation patterns and causes the snow pack that recharges rivers to melt earlier in the year. Furthermore, rising sea levels associated with climate change worsen saltwater intrusion.

Water scarcity  refers to water shortages, which can be physical or economic (figure \(\PageIndex{a}\)).  Physical water scarcity is the lack of sufficient water resources in an area; that is, water is depleted more quickly than it is replenished. Unpredictable precipitation patterns associated with climate change , which increase the risk of flooding and drought, exacerbates physical water scarcity.  Economic water scarcity occurs when people cannot afford access to water. The United Nations estimates that over half of the global population faces water scarcity for one or more months of the year (see The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2019 ). According to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, 785 million people lack access to even a basic drinking water service (see Drinking Water ) and two billion people lack access to improved sanitation as simple as a pit latrine (see Sanitation ), and three billion people lack a facility to wash their hands (see Hand Hygiene for All ). As a result, nearly 829,000 people die every year from diarrheal diseases, and 297,000 of those deaths occur among children under the age of five (see Drinking Water ). 

Solutions for Addressing Water Shortages

While some human activities have exacerbated the water crisis, humans have also developed technologies to better acquire or conserve freshwater. Solutions to addressing water shortages include dams and reservoirs, rainwater harvesting, aqueducts, desalination, water reuse, and water conservation.

Dams and Reservoirs

Reservoirs  (artificial lakes) that form behind dams in rivers can collect water during wet times and store it for use during dry spells (figure \(\PageIndex{b}\)). They also can be used for urban water supplies. Other benefits of dams and reservoirs are hydroelectricity, flood control, and recreation. Some of the drawbacks are evaporative loss of water in arid climates and downstream river channel erosion. Additionally, dams reduce water flow downstream, which could lead to political conflicts when rivers span states or countries. 

The negative ecosystem impacts of dams are another major drawback. For example, dams change a river to a lake habitat and interfere with migration and spawning of fish. Furthermore, warming of the surface water in the reservior influences the temperature of the water downstream, impacting the fish and aquatic invertebrates that are adapted to colder water. Dams also trap sediments that would otherwise continue to flow down the river, creating habitat and supplying nutrietns downstream.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting involves catching and storing rainwater before it reaches the ground. Figure \(\PageIndex{c}\) shows a complex rainwater harvesting system (rain water capture system) proposed for federal buildings, but smaller, simpler systems (sometimes called rain barrels) can be used by individual homeowners (figure \(\PageIndex{d}\)).

Aqueducts can move water from where it is plentiful to where it is needed. Aqueducts can be controversial and politically difficult especially if the water transfer distances are large. One drawback is the water diversion can cause drought in the area from where the water is drawn. For example, Owens Lake and Mono Lake in central California began to disappear after their river flow was diverted to the Los Angeles aqueduct (figure \(\PageIndex{e}\)). Without water supply, Owens Lake dried and became a major source of particulate matter, polluting the air during dust storms (see Air Pollution ). Owens Lake remains almost completely dry, but Mono Lake has recovered more significantly due to legal intervention. Learn more about the Los Angeles Aqueduct here .

Desalination

One method that can actually increase the amount of freshwater on Earth is desalination , which involves removing dissolved salt and minerals from seawater or saline groundwater (figure \(\PageIndex{f}\)). An advantage of this approach is that there is a virtually unlimited supply of saltwater. There are several ways to desalinate seawater including boiling, filtration, electrodialysis (applying an electric current to removed the ions which comprise salts), and reverse osmosis (figure \(\PageIndex{g}\)). All of these procedures are moderately to very expensive and require considerable energy input, making the water produced much more expensive than freshwater from conventional sources. In addition, the process creates highly saline wastewater, which must be disposed of and creates significant environmental impact. Desalination is most common in the Middle East, where energy from oil is abundant but water is scarce.

Water Reuse (Water Recycling)

Water recycling refers to reusing water for appropriate purposes such as agriculture, municipal water supply, industrial processes, and environmental restoration (figure \(\PageIndex{h}\)). This could occur at the scale of a single household, for example, installing plumbing that reroutes water drained from the sink to flush the toilet. Water recycling can also occur at large scales. For example, wastewater from the sewage system is regularly treated to an extent, but it can be treated further to produce  potable water (which is safe to drink) and then pumped into depleted aquifers. This approach limits saltwater intrusion of aquifers near the coast and reduces dependence on precipitation and subsequent infiltration to recharge aquifers. Orange County Water District in California employed this system following an information campaign to explain the purification process and ensure public confidence in the safety of the treated wastewater.

Water Conservation

Water conservation  refers to using less water and using it more efficiently. Around the home, conservation can involve both water-saving technologies and behavioral decisions. Examples of water-saving technologies include high-efficiency clothes washers and low-flow showers and toilets. Water-conserving behaviors include turning off the water while you brush your teeth, taking shorter showers and showers instead of baths, and fixing leaky faucets. A dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand, particularly the dishwasher is only run when it is full. Similarly, running fewer, larger loads of laundry conserves water relative to more frequent, smaller loads. Choosing foods with a low water footprint (like eggs) over those with a high water footprint (like beef) can also conserve water.

Gardening offers several water-saving opportunities. If you live in a dry climate, consider growing only native, drought-tolerant vegetation, which requires little irrigation (figure \(\PageIndex{h}\)). When you do irrigate your garden, do so only as needed and early in the morning, when less water will be lost to evaporation. Drip systems assist in delivering only the needed amount of water in a way that minimizes evaporation. These strategies can also be applied at large scales in agriculture, which is extremely important considering the high agricultural demands on our water supply relative to municipal use. Water conservation strategies in agriculture include growing crops in areas where the natural rainfall can support them, more efficient irrigation systems such as drip systems, and no-till farming, which reduces evaporative losses by covering the soil.

Bottled water is not a sustainable solution to the water crisis. Bottled water is not necessarily any safer than the U.S. public water supply, it costs on average about 700 times more than U.S. tap water, and every year it uses approximately 200 billion plastic and glass bottles that have a relatively low rate of recycling. Compared to tap water, it uses much more energy, mainly in bottle manufacturing and long-distance transportation. (Purchasing a water filter is a more sustainable solution than bottled water if you do not like the taste of tap water.) 

Drinking Water . 2019. WHO. Accessed 2020-12-29.

Hand Hygeine for All . 2020. UNICEF. Accessed 2020-12-29.

Sanitation . 2019. WHO. Accessed 2020-12-29.

The Sustainable Development Goals Report . 2019. United Nations. Accessed 2020-12-29.

Attribution

Modified by Melissa Ha from the following sources:

• Water Availability and Use from  Environmental Biology  by Matthew R. Fisher (licensed under  CC-BY )
• Basic Information about Water Reuse by United States Environmental Protection Agency (public domain)

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Nine water scarcity solutions — and why they work

Mar 22, 2024

From what Concern is doing in some of the world’s most water-stressed countries, to what you can do to help, here are nine solutions to the global water crisis.

Last year, UN Water reported on progress towards Sustainable Development Goal No. 6 — clean water and sanitation for all. The prognosis isn’t good for meeting this goal by 2030. 2.3 billion people live in water-stressed countries, of whom 733 million live in highly- and critically-stressed countries. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t progress being made. To give you a sense of how that progress happens, here are nine water scarcity solutions, and how each of them works in moving us towards clean water for all.

Learn more about Concern's work to make water accessible to all

1. provide clean, safe water to those who need it most.

The simplest solution to water scarcity: Give people water. (Mind-blowing, we know.) Water trucking is one of the quickest short-term solutions to a shortage, whether it’s bringing in water to a refugee camp while infrastructure in the area is improved, or delivering it to communities during a drought. This is an expensive solution and not a long-term fix for a crisis; but it can be a life-saving stop-gap.

While water trucking helps, building and rehabilitating water points in communities is like teaching a person to fish rather than giving them a fish. Sometimes we need to drill for a new water point, analyzing groundwater distribution and soil and rock structure. Sometimes, communities have already dug these wells, and Concern only needs to help with fitting in hand pumps that seal and protect the well — this makes collection easier and water safer. 

In areas where grid power is unreliable (or nonexistent), solutions like solar water pumps are an economically- and ecologically-friendly solution that makes use of the most reliable resource: sunlight. 

2. Protect (or improve) the quality of available water in an area

Often the best-case scenario is that there’s a natural spring in a community. If that’s true, we work with the community to protect the source so it can continue to provide water. Protective structures can keep the land above and around the water source free from human and animal interference and contamination. 

If there’s a source of non-potable water, however, there are still options to improve the quality. Seawater can be desalinated , both at a mass-scale level and individually through portable devices. Likewise, water purification tablets and other methods can be used to kill the microorganisms and pathogens that cause typhoid, cholera , and other waterborne illnesses. 

3. Collect and store rainwater to use later on

One of the lowest-tech and lowest-cost solutions to water scarcity in regions that get enough rainfall is to collect and save that rainwater. A Rainwater Harvesting System does exactly what the name implies: Using a catchment surface when it rains (a specially-prepared and designated area to collect water), we can then collect water for storage and future use. 

The benefits of this, if it’s an area that experiences adequate and reliable rains, are many. Rainwater harvesting generally doesn’t require too much technology to maintain, and is easy for communities to manage. If it’s collected in the right way, rainwater usually needs less processing to make it potable. This may not be the ideal choice for drinking water needs, but it is an excellent backup for agriculture (which takes up a lot of water usage in water-stressed countries), livestock, in schools, and hospitals. 

4. Understand that the impacts of climate change are not going to go away, and build resilience against climate disasters

Climate change is here to stay and will continue to accelerate. Its impacts include water scarcity: For every 1 °C rise, 500 million extra people will face a 20% dip in renewable water resources.

At this point, we cannot undo many of the effects of climate change . However, we can build climate resilience within communities on the frontline of the climate crisis, including strategies that protect their water resources in the face of emergencies. Our work in this area includes watershed management, planting trees and reforesting areas that have been deforested, soil and water conservation, and land rehabilitation.

What we talk about when we talk about resilience

At Concern, “resilience” has a much more specific definition. It’s not something we call people we work with in order to downplay their suffering. It’s something we help them cultivate at a community level.

5. Find more effective ways of using the water we need in our day-to-day lives

Solutions one through five on this list are all examples of the work Concern does with communities that face extreme water scarcity. However, water stewardship is a global responsibility, and we need every community in the world to help. Many of the countries where Concern works are water-stressed, but reports show that future risks for water shortages are not confined to low-income countries or areas around the Equator. 

In Concern’s work with Climate Smart Agriculture , for instance, we use soil coverings to help keep water in the ground longer and protect it from evaporation. But we can all find more effective ways to use the water that fuels our daily routines, whether it’s taking shorter showers, fixing that leak in your kitchen faucet, or investing in a smart sprinkler for your lawn. Changing food habits can impact the amount of water used in agriculture. You can also contact your local and state representatives about larger water issues that affect your community and the world — we will, after all, only solve the water crisis when we adequately value how much water affects our lives.

6. Eliminate water dumping and reduce other pollutive activities and find safe and sustainable ways to recycle wastewater

But we can’t solve the water crisis on our own as individuals. The NRDC estimates that 80% of the world’s wastewater is dumped back into the ecosystem, untreated. Governments and corporations must work together to prioritize ending water dumping and other pollutive activities that contaminate drinking water. This includes corporations based in high-income countries but that outsource production to lower-income countries. Approximately 1 billion people die each year due to water contamination—actions that ban and enforce restrictions on wastewater dumping literally save lives. 

7. Build community focus and ownership around local water systems and resources…

The worst solutions to water stress are those that can’t be taken on by community members after an organization like Concern leaves. No amount of hand pumps or infrastructural improvement are a success if they fall into disrepair after a short time. 

To avoid this problem, Concern invests heavily in working with the community to promote ownership and enhance skills for future management of all programs, including our water, sanitation, and hygiene projects. Establishing Water Management Committees (WMCs) helps to build local representation through elected community members who manage and oversee their local water resources. We also provide training to both WMC members and other community representatives so that they can manage their resources (resources built initially with their input).

8. …while also building local and national capacities to effectively manage water systems…

In fragile states, it’s often the case that there isn’t enough government infrastructure or capacity to deliver WASH services. This is an explanation, but it isn’t an excuse. We can — and must — work with local authorities and national governments to strengthen the capacity they have to ensure their citizens have clean water and access to other hygiene and sanitation necessities. Part of this relies on changing attitudes towards the value of water and the true cost of pollution. 

In 2021, UN Water identified 107 countries not on track to have sustainably managed water resources by 2030. The current rate of progress needs to be doubled in order to meet this goal.

9. …and fostering international cooperation around shared water resources

It doesn’t stop at the national level. Establishing a common language around and prioritization of water quality has to happen at an international level, as many rivers, lakes, and aquifers cross international borders and are shared between nations. 

In the same 2021 UN Water report, only 24 countries reported that all rivers, lakes, and aquifers shared with neighboring countries are covered by operational arrangements for cooperation. That's less than 1/5 of the way towards the Sustainable Development Goal target.

Can we solve the global water crisis?

As of 2022, none of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals are on track to be met by 2030. However, that doesn’t mean that the cause is hopeless. The UN reports that, since 2015, over 600 million people have gained access to safely-managed drinking water. Globally, three out of four people had safe drinking water in 2020. In that time, water-use efficiency has increased 10% globally. 

These are great steps, but at our current rate, progress is still behind. You can help take a stand by understanding how much water you use at home and finding ways of reducing it where possible. You can also learn more about the issues both within your own community and in other communities around the world — if your hometown has a sister city, that’s a good place to start — and advocate your local representatives to take greater and bolder action towards ending water scarcity around the world. 

You can also support organizations like Concern to ensure that water, sanitation and hygiene services reach those who need it most. All of these actions may seem like drops in the bucket, but those drops add up.

The global water crisis: Concern’s response

Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation and providing hygiene information and training are key aspects of Concern’s work, with active water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programmes in 18 countries. We have dug, drilled, and bored thousands of wells in remote and vulnerable communities across dozens of countries, and built countless latrines in their schools and health centres. The hours saved and the illnesses prevented make it one of the most effective things we do. 

When drought or displacement prevent access to clean water supplies, we do what it takes to connect communities, including trucking water to temporary tanks and installing pumps in camps. We work hand-in-hand with communities to help them assess the longstanding challenges they face, change behaviours, and ensure water and sanitation infrastructure will be maintained for the long term. And we foster a sense of ownership, build sustainable maintenance practices, and create transparent financial management systems that benefit the community.

One example of our approach can be seen in the Democratic Republic of Congo , where Concern has been the lead partner in a consortium that has already achieved some extraordinary results. Over the course of six years, our teams worked closely with 600 of the country’s most isolated communities to help them achieve sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions. The program reached over 650,000 people. 

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Search UNICEF

• Water scarcity

Addressing the growing lack of available water to meet children’s needs.

• WASH and climate change

Even in countries with adequate water resources, water scarcity is not uncommon. Although this may be due to a number of factors — collapsed infrastructure and distribution systems, contamination, conflict, or poor management of water resources — it is clear that climate change, as well as human factors, are increasingly denying children their right to safe water and sanitation.

Water scarcity limits access to safe water for drinking and for practising basic hygiene at home, in schools and in health-care facilities. When water is scarce, sewage systems can fail and the threat of contracting diseases like cholera surges. Scarce water also becomes more expensive.

Water scarcity takes a greater toll on women and children because they are often the ones responsible for collecting it. When water is further away, it requires more time to collect, which often means less time at school. Particularly for girls, a shortage of water in schools impacts student enrolment, attendance and performance. Carrying water long distances is also an enormous physical burden and can expose children to safety risks and exploitation.

• Four billion people — almost two thirds of the world’s population —  experience severe water scarcity for at least one month each year.
• Over two billion people live in countries where water supply is inadequate.
• Half of the world’s population could be living in areas facing water scarcity by as early as 2025.
• Some 700 million people could be displaced by intense water scarcity by 2030.
• By 2040, roughly 1 in 4 children worldwide will be living in areas of extremely high water stress.

UNICEF’s response

As the factors driving water scarcity are complex and vary widely across countries and regions, UNICEF works at multiple levels to introduce context-specific technologies that increase access to safe water and address the impacts of water scarcity. We focus on:

Identifying new water resources : We assess the availability of water resources using various technologies, including remote sensing and geophysical surveys and field investigations.

Improving the efficiency of water resources : We rehabilitate urban water distribution networks and treatment systems to reduce water leakage and contamination, promoting wastewater reuse for agriculture to protect groundwater.

Planning for urban scarcity : We plan for future water needs by identifying available resources to reduce the risk of cities running out of water.

Expanding technologies to ensure climate resilience : We support and develop climate-resilient water sources, including the use of deeper groundwater reserves through solar-powered water networks. We also advance water storage through small-scale retention structures, managed aquifer recharge (where water is pumped into underground reserves to improve its quality), and rainwater harvesting.

Changing behaviours : We work with schools and communities to promote an understanding of the value of water and the importance of its protection, including by supporting environmental clubs in schools.

Planning national water needs : We work with key stakeholders at national and sub-national levels to understand the water requirements for domestic use and for health and sanitation, and advocate to ensure that this is reflected in national planning considerations.

Supporting the WASH sector : We develop technical guidance, manuals and online training programmes for WASH practitioners to improve standards for water access.

More from UNICEF

Tackling gender inequality in a climate-changed world

Agrifood and social protection systems can empower women and girls to build climate resilience

Water and the climate crisis: 10 things you should know

The world needs to get water smart. Everyone has a role to play, and we cannot afford to wait

The urgent need for a child-centred Loss and Damage Fund

The Loss and Damage Fund should put children’s voices at the heart of climate justice

Climate action for a climate-smart world

UNICEF and partners are monitoring, innovating and collaborating to tackle the climate crisis

Reimagining WASH: Water Security for All

Multi-tiered approaches to solving the water crisis in basra, iraq, increasing water security in gaza through seawater desalination, managed aquifer recharge (mar): protecting communities from saline intrusion of groundwater in costal areas of bangladesh, groundwater early warning system for the south of madagascar, combining manual drilling and solar energy to ensure drought resilience in mauritania, using gis and remote sensing to access water in the drought-prone areas of ethiopia and madagascar, multiples uses of water in madagascar: drinking water, agriculture and livestock, wash climate resilience – compendium of cases, thirsting for a future: water and children in a changing climate.

Water Scarcity

Water can be scarce for many reasons: demand for water may be exceeding supply, water infrastructure may be inadequate, or institutions may be failing to balance everyone’s needs.

Water scarcity is an increasing problem on every continent, with poorer communities most badly affected. To build resilience against climate change and to serve a growing population, an integrated and inclusive approach must be taken to managing this finite resource.

The issue explained

Water scarcity is a relative concept. The amount of water that can be physically accessed varies as supply and demand changes. Water scarcity intensifies as demand increases and/or as water supply is affected by decreasing quantity or quality. 

Water is a finite resource in growing demand. As the global population increases, and resource-intensive economic development continues, many countries’ water resources and infrastructure are failing to meet accelerating demand.

Climate change is making water scarcity worse . The impacts of a changing climate are making water more unpredictable. Terrestrial water storage – the water held in soil, snow and ice – is diminishing. This results in increased water scarcity, which disrupts societal activity.

Women and girls are among the hardest hit. Poor and marginalized groups are on the frontline of any water scarcity crisis, impacting their ability to maintain good health, protect their families and earn a living. For many women and girls, water scarcity means more laborious, time-consuming water collection, putting them at increased risk of attack and often precluding them from education or work.

Lack of data means lack of integrated management. Many countries do not have well developed water monitoring systems, which prevents integrated water resource management that can balance the needs of communities and the wider economy, particularly in time of scarcity.

The way forward

Water has to be treated as a scarce resource . Integrated water resources management (IWRM) provides a broad framework for governments to align water use patterns with the needs and demands of different users, including the environment.

IWRM can control water stress. When a territory withdraws 25 per cent or more of its renewable freshwater resources it is said to be ‘water-stressed’. IWRM can control water stress by measures such as reducing losses from water distribution systems, safe wastewater reuse, desalination and appropriate water allocation.

Data, technology and communications have a critical role . IWRM depends on: good quality data on water resources; water-saving, green and hybrid technologies, particularly in industry and agriculture; and awareness campaigns to reduce the use of water in households and encourage sustainable diets and consumption.

Groundwater is part of the solution. Exploring, protecting and sustainably using groundwater will be central to surviving and adapting to climate change and meeting the needs of a growing population.

Facts and Figures

• 2.3 billion people live in water-stressed countries, of which 733 million live in high and critically water-stressed countries. ( UN-Water, 2021 )  
• 3.2 billion people live in agricultural areas with high to very high water shortages or scarcity, of whom 1.2 billion people – roughly one-sixth of the world’s population – live in severely water-constrained agricultural areas. ( FAO, 2020 )  
• Today, 1.42 billion people – including 450 million children – live in areas of high or extremely high water vulnerability. ( UNICEF, 2021 )  
• About 4 billion people, representing nearly two-thirds of the global population, experience severe water scarcity during at least one month of the year. ( Mekonnen and Hoekstra, 2016 )  
• 72% of all water withdrawals are used by agriculture, 16% by municipalities for households and services, and 12% by industries. ( UN-Water, 2021 )  
• When a territory withdraws 25% or more of its renewable freshwater resources it is said to be ‘water-stressed’. Five out of 11 regions have water stress values above 25%, including two regions with high water stress and one with extreme water stress. ( UN-Water, 2021 )

Progress on level of water stress

Water Conservation Essay

500+ words essay on water conservation.

Water makes up 70% of the earth as well as the human body. There are millions of marine species present in today’s world that reside in water. Similarly, humankind also depends on water. All the major industries require water in some form or the other. However, this precious resource is depleting day by day. The majority of the reasons behind it are man-made only. Thus, the need for water conservation is more than ever now. Through this water conservation essay, you will realize how important it is to conserve water and how scarce it has become.

Water Scarcity- A Dangerous Issue

Out of all the water available, only three per cent is freshwater. Therefore, it is essential to use this water wisely and carefully. However, we have been doing the opposite of this till now.

Every day, we keep exploiting water for a variety of purposes. In addition to that, we also keep polluting it day in and day out. The effluents from industries and sewage discharges are dispersed into our water bodies directly.

Moreover, there are little or no facilities left for storing rainwater. Thus, floods have become a common phenomenon. Similarly, there is careless use of fertile soil from riverbeds. It results in flooding as well.

Therefore, you see how humans play a big role in water scarcity. Living in concrete jungles have anyway diminished the green cover. On top of that, we keep on cutting down forests that are a great source of conserving water.

Nowadays, a lot of countries even lack access to clean water. Therefore, water scarcity is a real thing. We must deal with it right away to change the world for our future generations. Water conservation essay will teach you how.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Water Conservation Essay – Conserving Water

Life without water is not possible. We need it for many things including cleaning, cooking, using the washroom, and more. Moreover, we need clean water to lead a healthy life.

We can take many steps to conserve water on a national level as well as an individual level. Firstly, our governments must implement efficient strategies to conserve water. The scientific community must work on advanced agricultural reforms to save water.

Similarly, proper planning of cities and promotion of water conservation through advertisements must be done. On an individual level, we can start by opting for buckets instead of showers or tubs.

Also, we must not use too much electricity. We must start planting more trees and plants. Rainwater harvesting must be made compulsory so we can benefit from the rain as well.

Further, we can also save water by turning off the tap when we brush our teeth or wash our utensils. Use a washing machine when it is fully loaded. Do not waste the water when you wash vegetables or fruit, instead, use it to water plants.

All in all, we must identify water scarcity as a real issue as it is very dangerous. Further, after identifying it, we must make sure to take steps to conserve it. There are many things that we can do on a national level as well as an individual level. So, we must come together now and conserve water.

FAQ of Water Conservation Essay

Question 1: Why has water become scarce?

Answer 1: Water has become scarce due to a lot of reasons most of which are human-made. We exploit water on a daily basis. Industries keep discharging their waste directly into water bodies. Further, sewage keeps polluting the water as well.

Question 2: How can we conserve water?

Answer 2: The government must plan cities properly so our water bodies stay clean. Similarly, water conservation must be promoted through advertisements. On an individual level, we can start by fixing all our leaky taps. Further, we must avoid showers and use buckets instead to save more water.

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Water Scarcity Essay

Essay On Water Scarcity - People require water for various purposes like cooking, cleaning, drinking, and washing, to name a few. Animals need water for their bodies to function, plants need water to pull nutrients from the soil and stay nourished, and people need water for all the reasons mentioned above. Here are 100, 200 and 500 word essays on Water Scarcity.

The lack of freshwater supplies to meet water demand is known as water scarcity. Most nations today have regulations protecting water quality and limiting water usage. Water nourishes not only the soil but also the human body. Nothing can flourish without water. Here are some sample essays on “Water Scarcity”.

100 Words Essay On Water Scarcity

All life forms on this planet require water to survive. Limited freshwater supplies to meet huge water demand is known as water shortage. The water cycle is the process through which the water that is present on earth evaporates, transforms into a vapour cloud, and then precipitates when cold weather develops.

We don't pay much attention to water because it is used and needed by humans and nature every year, yet considering this, water is simply life above and beyond the chemical component. Since the issue has gotten so bad, many states' groundwater supplies are nearly entirely depleted, forcing residents to rely on water from other sources.

200 Words Essay On Water Scarcity

More than 70% of our body weight is made up of water. For the body to function properly, water is necessary. Additionally, water makes up more than 70% of the surface of the world. We should drink water every day as it improves the functions and well-being of our bodies. Water is also required for basic necessities. Since fresh water is the only source of usable water, it is necessary for all everyday activities as well as for human health and the existence of all other living things.

Need For Water

A significant problem that affects nearly half of the world's population is the lack of availability of freshwater. Water scarcity has a variety of effects on human lives, just like climate change and global warming. It makes it harder for humans to live in various parts of the world.

Water is now a vital prerequisite for humankind to thrive on Earth, and this is without debate. Water is also one of the natural resources that we still misuse the most. Given the way things seem these days, humanity is undoubtedly to blame for its scarcity. The global water crisis cannot entirely be attributed to population growth. One of the leading causes of water scarcity is irresponsible water consumption.

500 Words Essay On Water Scarcity

Every human needs water to survive, yet in the World today, water scarcity is a severe problem that is spreading quickly. Although it is the focal point of our existence, it is regrettably not our first focus.

Causes Of Water Scarcity

The leading causes of water scarcity are poor water management and the world's expanding population. A variety of additional man-made problems are also on the rise. Some of such issues are man-made construction obstructing groundwater from being recharged naturally, excess use in agriculture and not having a general sense of awareness of how to use and prevent water pollution are some of the reasons.

Natural Causes Of Water Scarcity

Water scarcity is a result of climate change and global warming as well. One explanation for how salty water is growing daily instead of freshwater is the melting of icebergs into oceans due to the increase in temperatures. The frequency of rain has sharply declined recently. Freshwater bodies have been significantly impacted by climate change, as well as a drop in rainfall percentage.

Water use has multiplied as a result of the expanding population. The decline in water bodies and the rise in population primarily causes this scarcity. Another important factor is India's inadequate drainage and water management systems, particularly in metropolitan areas. To deliver water in urban areas, an effective water management system is necessary.

Well, In the end, altering how this problem is seen requires educating people to encourage new behaviours. All kinds of consumption, from personal use to

the distribution networks of large organisations will need to undergo significant change to adapt to the upcoming era of water shortage.

My Experience

I woke up to the sound of my alarm, feeling a sense of dread wash over me as I remembered the water scarcity situation in my town. It was around April or May, which are considered the hottest months in my town. For weeks, there had been a drought which was getting worse, and the water levels in our water storage had been steadily dropping.

As I dressed for the day, I couldn't help but worry about the future. Water was becoming increasingly scarce, and there didn't seem to be any end to the drought. I knew that it would only be a matter of time before water rationing was put into place, and the thought of standing in line for hours just to get a few gallons of water was enough to make my stomach turn.

It was hard to ignore the signs of the water crisis around me. Lawns were brown and withered, plants were dying, and the normally bustling streets were strangely quiet. As I made my way to school, I started thinking about ways to prevent water wastage and fight this water scarcity. This whole incident made me realise the importance of water in our lives.

The scarcity of freshwater is becoming a severe problem. If we do not address the issue of water scarcity today, future generations will suffer greatly and may even be forced to pay a heavy price for this basic necessity.

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Solutions to water scarcity

How to prevent water shortages.

Water stress is a serious issue in many parts of the world. Discover its causes and effects, but most importantly the solutions to the water crisis.

01. Solutions

02. Definition

04. Effects

05. Prevention

Water is one of the most precious resources on the planet. More than 1 billion people do not have access to a source of clean drinking water, and around 3 billion experience water scarcity at least one month per year.

What is the definition of water scarcity? What are its causes and effects? And most importantly, how to overcome the water scarcity problem?

Water scarcity solutions

The Solar Impulse Label is granted to innovative water scarcity solutions that meet high standards of sustainability and profitability.

Each solution goes through a strict assessment process performed by independent experts.

EVAPO-CONTROL

A modular floating system for the protection of large surface water reservoirs

• Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Aguardio G2

A physical iot device to reduce water and energy consumption from showers

• Buildings & Constructions

Locally-produced water filters for the production of safe drinking water in uganda

A new, innovative and sustainable drinking water service for rural Africa

Plasma Vortex

A solution to oxidize and disinfect industrial wastewater and reduce treatment costs

Passive Shower EcoTray

A shower tray with a heat recovery device that reduces shower water heating bills

Drop2Drink Unit

A decentralized domestic water filtration system that filters rainwater to 100% microbiologically safe drinking water

PV LifeBox Water Pumping & Desalination

A solar-powered unit generates electricity and desalinates water for underserved communities

• Agrifood & Natural Environment

On-site hydrogen-peroxide generation solution for water and wastewater treatment

• Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods

Off-grid sustainable sanitation

Waterless flush toilets and sanitation solutions for everyone, everywhere

A natural and biodegradable technology for the improvement of water and soil management

A low-pressure, self-closing push-button tap that saves water when washing hands

What is water scarcity?

Water scarcity, both natural and of human origin, is the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demands within a region. Water is unequally distributed over time and space. Much of it is wasted, polluted and unsustainably managed. There is no global water scarcity as such, but a number of places and regions are chronically short of water because its use at the global level has increased more than twice as fast as the population over the last century. Pressure on water resources is increasing in several parts of the world, especially in China, India, Pakistan, in the Middle East and many countries and regions of Africa.

Water scarcity Causes

What are the main sources of water scarcity?

The degradation of water quality contributes to the shortage. Water pollution has environmental consequences that make water unfit for consumption or use and reduce the available water resources. Pollution is thus becoming one of the main threats to the availability and reuse of water. Fertilizers and pesticides, soil depletion and poor waste disposal conditions are detrimental to available freshwater sources.

Overuse of water

The misuse of water resources is another big issue leading to water scarcity. Inadequate management of water resources, whether it be for agriculture - using 70% of the world’s accessible freshwater - industrial activities or domestic use, causes a lot of wasted water. Considering that we are wasting more water than ever before, this causes a lot of “stress” on the amount of available water resources.

Climate Change

Glaciers and ice packs are melting in some areas, affecting the freshwater supplies. Moreover, because of global warming , there are more and more droughts, floods and heat waves. Climate change is therefore worsening the water crisis, especially in regions that are already under water stress.

Growing freshwater demand

Over the last 50 years, the world's population has doubled and continues to grow. As a result, the use of water to drink, cook and meet other needs has tripled. As the global population is expected to boom in the coming decades, water resources need to be managed more efficiently.

Water scarcity Effects

Water shortages have a great impact on human health, socio-economic development, and the environment:

1. Hunger, poverty and education

Apart from dehydration due to the obvious lack of drinking water, hunger is one the most serious effect of water scarcity. Why? Water shortages have a direct impact on crops and livestock, which can lead to food shortages and eventually starvation. As well, because of water shortages some people cannot shower, wash their clothes or clean their homes properly. In the poorest countries, some children can’t go to school, because they are either too sick or they have to walk for a long time to reach a water source. Even when they can attend, many children cannot learn because of their fatigue, heavy responsibilities and worries for their families.

2. Sanitation issues and diseases

Water scarcity generates sanitation problems by forcing people to drink unsafe water. In fact, when water is scarce people tend to store it at home, which increases the risk of domestic water contamination and creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which transmit dengue and malaria. Lack of water cause other diseases such as trachoma (an eye infection that can cause blindness), plague and typhus.

3. Conflicts

Having access to water has become a powerful global economic issue that could become one of the main causes of international tension. Local conflicts - sometimes resulting in warfare - are triggered over scarce water resources. With the burgeoning global population and growing needs, these tensions could multiply in the future.

4. Biodiversity loss

Water scarcity has different negative impacts on rivers, lakes, and other freshwater resources. It harms the environment in several ways including increased salinity, nutrient pollution, and the loss of floodplains and wetlands. Ecosystems and biodiversity (e.g. freshwater fish) are threatened by the scarcity of water resources.

Water scarcity prevention

There are ways to save water and prevent water scarcity:

1. Sustainable water management

Improving water infrastructure must be a priority, as water conservation and efficiency are key components of sustainable water management. Solar desalination and smart irrigation systems are great examples of clean technology for water efficiency and control. That obviously applies even more to the agriculture and farming sector - the largest consumer of water.

2. Reclaimed water

Rainwater harvesting and recycled wastewater also allow to reduce scarcity and ease pressures on groundwater and other natural water bodies. Groundwater recharge, that allows water moving from surface water to groundwater, is a well-known process to prevent water scarcity.

3. Pollution control & better sewage treatment

Without proper sanitation, the water becomes full of diseases and unsafe to drink. That is why addressing pollution, measuring and monitoring water quality is essential. Besides, improving the sewage systems in specific areas is another way to prevent water scarcity from becoming any worse.

4. Awareness & Education

Education is critical to solve the water crisis. In fact, in order to cope with future water scarcity, it is necessary to radically reform all forms of consumption, from individual use to the supply chains of large companies.

A challenge, #1000 Solutions to change the world

A label focused on both the environment and profitability.

For the first time a label proves the economic profitability of solutions that protect the environment. The Solar Impulse Foundation is selecting 1,000 solutions that protect the environment in a profitable way and awarding them the Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions Label.

Collaborating with independent experts and with renowned institutions, the World Alliance proposes to evaluate its members solutions free of charge. The Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions label will offer a competitive edge to innovators and a guarantee of quality to solution seekers.

A chance to be labelled in the 1000 solutions portfolio

Submit your solution now

Not enough water

Europe is the fastest warming continent in the world. Many countries are at risk of water scarcity and more frequent droughts. What can we all do?

Too much water

Poorly managed water

Polluted water

Water shortages and droughts affect us all in obvious and hidden ways. They are causing more and more damage to nature and to the economy. We need to work together to adapt our water systems, economies, and lifestyles to a Europe with less water. At the same time, reducing carbon emissions can stabilize climate patterns and safeguard water resources for the future.

We have to implement the solutions to become a #WaterWiseEU.

A higher demand than supply of freshwater. It is mostly caused by over abstraction of waters but can be caused by droughts.

A temporary decrease of precipitation in a particular region, often causing water scarcity. It can happen anywhere in Europe and in any season.

Water scarcity happen when demand for water exceeds supply

• because economic activities expand without regard to water resources
• because land development is sealing soils so they no longer absorb rain 
• because chemical pollution degrades groundwater and rivers
• because waste water is not being cleaned for reuse 
• because in addition to all these, droughts deplete acquifers and water reservoirs

… all these are at the root of a broken water cycle .

The true cost of droughts and water scarcity in Europe

Which country had the largest percentage of its area impacted by droughts in 2022?  - Spain  - Italy  - Luxembourg - Poland Answer: Luxembourg. Drought affected as much as 70% of Luxembourg's area in 2022).

What are the solutions?

Heat and droughts risk threatening crop production not only in southern Europe, but in central Europe as well. Prolonged droughts also affect food security and drinking water supplies. Combined with the overuse of water, this could cause the EU's food production to drop by millions on tons yearly. 

What’s the solution?   

The EU is supporting farmers to switch to more sustainable agricultural practices, such as

• planting drought-resistant crops that require less water, where possible
• (re)using water efficiently 
• restoring soils back to a healthy condition
• using fewer pesticides and fertilisers
• increasing vegetation cover 
• restoring areas of biodiversity on arable land
• shifting from animal-based proteins to sustainably grown plant-based proteins

Droughts harm ecosystems and impact the EU's climate and biodiversity goals. They deprive animals of water and habitats, while increasing river temperatures and pollutants in water. Enhancing our landscapes’ ability to capture and release water effectively can significantly reduce the impacts of droughts. 

Some examples of these nature-based solutions include

• restoring natural floodplains
• rewetting wetlands
• restoring soils 
• protecting groundwater recharge zones
• removing artificial barriers from water

Record droughts in 2022 led to reduced hydro, thermoelectric, and nuclear power output in the EU. Cooling for electricity generation uses up 32% of freshwater withdrawals in the EU annually, and these dry spells impact energy security, raise prices, and could slow down renewable energy growth. 67% of Europeans believe that energy producers should do more to use water efficiently. 

What’s the solution?  

• increasing the efficiency of thermal power plants that need water for cooling 
• boosting renewable energy production
• making seawater desalination more sustainable
• supporting hydropower that achieves the best possible ecological potential for river continuity, using fish passes and restoring spawning grounds 

A stable water supply is crucial for nearly all industries and economic activities. 75% of Europeans think that industry need to do more to use water efficiently. To protect our supply of fresh water, businesses can thrive by being water smart.

What’s the solution? 

• prioritise the sustainable and circular use of water 
• find efficient ways to collect and store water
• balance supply and demand for water
• improve efficiency and reduce water use in scarce areas 
• reuse treated wastewater

Did you know?

They increase the risk of infectious diseases spreading from pathogens in water. They can lead to more intense wildfires and can even increase air pollution and worsen conditions such as asthma!  

What can you do?   

There are plenty of small changes that you can make in your life that can help conserve water. 

Check out and download the poster for the Best Tips for Protecting Water Resources , shared by our #WaterWiseEU partner, the Federal Ministry Republic of Austria. 

EU water policy is one of the cornerstones of environmental protection in the EU. But 78% of Europeans think that the EU should propose additional measures to address water problems. 

See how the EU helps to prevent and mitigate water scarcity and droughts.

Discover the EU’s comprehensive laws on water, to protect water resources, fresh and saltwater ecosystems, and ensure our drinking and bathing water are clean.

The European Drought Observatory for Resilience and Adaptation (EDORA) aims to improve drought resilience and adaptation throughout the EU.

Actions on the ground

Every EU country can build water resilience through targeted investments and reforms to improve infrastructure and roll out water efficient technologies.  

Fully implementing the current and upcoming EU laws on water, nature restoration, soil health, and forest monitoring will significantly help to restore the water cycle. 

Local actions have a big impact. 

Check out the inspiring projects below.

To meet the challenges of water scarcity and climate change, innovative solutions are needed to ensure sustainable agriculture. Irwise is a Tunisian startup specialising in irrigation engineering and leading the way with its cutting-edge technology of remote control irrigation.

Current food practices can significantly contribute to climate change. On World Food Day, the SU-EATABLE LIFE project shows how we can create sustainable, eco-friendly food systems which are good for us - and good for the planet.

With more than 650 events across Europe, World Wetlands Day is one of the biggest celebrations of nature in the calendar - and two current LIFE projects are making a splash! 

See all the inspiring projects

Which food requires the least amount of water to produce? - Beef - Lentils  - Chicken Answer: Lentils. 1kg of lentils requires 1,250 litres of water to produce, while 1kg of chicken requires 4,325 litres, and 1kg beef 13,000 litres.

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• Published: 23 May 2024

Current and future global water scarcity intensifies when accounting for surface water quality

• Edward R. Jones   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-5388-7774 1 ,
• Marc F. P. Bierkens   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7411-6562 1 , 2 &
• Michelle T. H. van Vliet   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2597-8422 1  

Nature Climate Change ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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• Water resources

The inadequate availability of clean water presents systemic risks to human health, food production, energy generation and ecosystem functioning. Here we evaluate population exposure to current and future water scarcity (both excluding and including water quality) using a coupled global hydrological and surface water quality model. We find that 55% of the global population are currently exposed to clean water scarcity at least one month per year, compared with 47% considering water quantity aspects only. Exposure to clean water scarcity at least one month per year increases to 56–66% by the end of the century. Increases in future exposure are typically largest in developing countries—particularly in sub-Saharan Africa—driven by a combination of water quantity and quality aspects. Strong reductions in both anthropogenic water use and pollution are therefore necessary to minimize the impact of future clean water scarcity on humans and the environment.

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Future global urban water scarcity and potential solutions

A triple increase in global river basins with water scarcity due to future pollution

Sub-Saharan Africa will increasingly become the dominant hotspot of surface water pollution

Data availability.

Output data from this study (that is, population exposure to water scarcity) per geographic region are available via Figshare at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.24866310.v1 (ref.  53 ). Water quantity and quality data are available via Zenodo at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7811612 (ref.  54 ).

Code availability

The coupled global hydrological model and water resources model (PCR-GLOBWB 2) and global surface water quality model (DynQual) are freely available via Zenodo at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7932317 (ref.  55 ) and via GitHub at https://github.com/UU-Hydro/ .

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Acknowledgements

E.R.J. and M.T.H.v.V. were financially supported by the Netherlands Scientific Organisation (NWO) by a VIDI grant (VI.Vidi.193.019). M.T.H.v.V. was also financially supported by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme (grant agreement no. 101039426 B-WEX). E.R.J. acknowledges and thanks the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) for the grant that enabled us to use the national supercomputer Snellius (project no. EINF-3999).

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The study was designed by E.R.J., M.F.P.B. and M.T.H.v.V. Data processing, analysis and interpretation were led by E.R.J. in consultation with M.F.P.B. and M.T.H.v.V. E.R.J. led the paper writing, and all authors approved the paper.

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Extended data

Extended data fig. 1 population exposure to water scarcity in the east asia & pacific region under uncertain climate and socio-economic change..

a) Number of people exposed to water scarcity from 2005–2100, based on indicators considering water quantity only ( WS ) and including water quality ( WSq ). Thick lines and thin lines display the annual average and monthly average exposure to water scarcity, respectively, while shaded areas represent uncertainty arising from variations in GCM simulations as ±1 s.d. b) Percentage of the population exposed to seasonal (that is at least one month per year) and year-round (>9 months per year) water scarcity from 2005–2100, as indicated by WS and WSq . Lines display the mean average exposure per year averaged over the five GCMs considered, while shaded areas represent uncertainty arising from variations in GCM simulations as ±1 s.d. c) Percentage of the population exposed to water scarcity in each month, as indicated by WS and WSq . Boxplots are made based on monthly exposure to water scarcity across all GCMs for a historical reference period (2005–2020) and under three global change scenarios at the end of the century (2081–2100).

Extended Data Fig. 2 Population exposure to water scarcity in the Eastern Europe & Central Asia region under uncertain climate and socio-economic change.

Extended data fig. 3 population exposure to water scarcity in the latin america & caribbean region under uncertain climate and socio-economic change., extended data fig. 4 population exposure to water scarcity in the middle east & north africa region under uncertain climate and socio-economic change., extended data fig. 5 population exposure to water scarcity in the north america region under uncertain climate and socio-economic change., extended data fig. 6 population exposure to water scarcity in the southern asia region under uncertain climate and socio-economic change., extended data fig. 7 population exposure to water scarcity in the sub-saharan africa region under uncertain climate and socio-economic change., extended data fig. 8 population exposure to water scarcity in the western europe region under uncertain climate and socio-economic change., supplementary information, supplementary information.

Supplementary Figs. 1–4, Tables 1–4 and Discussion.

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Jones, E.R., Bierkens, M.F.P. & van Vliet, M.T.H. Current and future global water scarcity intensifies when accounting for surface water quality. Nat. Clim. Chang. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-02007-0

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The Mexico City water crisis, explained

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Mexico City is in the midst of a water crisis. Some experts have predicted the metropolitan region, which boasts the highest population of any metro area in North America at nearly 22 million people, may start to run out of water as early as June, a day described as “Day Zero.” And while there are options available to the city, larger issues with water infrastructure and management may be harder to remedy in the short term.

At issue are the aquifers beneath the city, where most of the city’s water comes from. “When the Spaniards arrived on the continent, they drained the lakes on which the city was was built,” said Caroline Houck, senior editor at Vox. “And so all of the impervious surfaces that have been built on top of those don’t really allow for the rainwater that does fall to replenish the aquifers.” That infrastructure, along with moderate-to-severe drought conditions exacerbated by climate change, has drained the aquifers.

But Mexico City isn’t alone in it water struggles, as Houck reported in a story for the “Today, Explained” newsletter. She spoke with “Marketplace” host Amy Scott about the intersection of drought and water infrastructure, both in Mexico City and around the globe. The following is a transcript of their conversation.

Amy Scott: Caroline, can you describe the situation briefly in Mexico City? How did it get so bad?

Caroline Houck: Yeah, so Mexico City right now is staring down a pretty acute water crisis. There’s there’s a couple of acute factors here. There’s been abnormally low rainfall for a long time. And some of that is exacerbated by current phenomenon, things like El Niño, the weather phenomenon that’s causing droughts across the region. But in other ways is a much more structural, kind of systemic issue. When the Spaniards arrived on the continent, they drained the lakes on which the city was was built. And so all of the impervious surfaces that have been built on top of those don’t really allow for the rainwater that does fall to replenish the aquifers that provide actually the vast bulk of Mexico City’s water. And then there’s also some particular issues with the water infrastructure itself. Mexico City, by some estimates loses about 40% of its water that does enter its system, whether it’s through leaky pipes or being stolen. And then all of this is also being exacerbated by climate change, making these droughts worse and more unpredictable.

Scott: And you write that this isn’t just happening in Mexico City. Where else are people are facing water shortages right now?

Houck: I think that’s what really struck me when I got into this and why I was interested in this piece. I remember visiting Cape Town right around when they had their own Day Zero water crisis back in the 2010s. And to your point, it’s not just Mexico City right now. So right now, we have El Niño exacerbating droughts throughout Latin America. Bogotá, Colombia has been rationing water for a month now, I believe. Early on, the president, Gustavo Petro, even told people — I think semi-jokingly, I hope — to leave the city and drink water elsewhere, just because the system was so strapped. The Panama Canal, this lifeline of international commerce, is having to restrict transit through because drought has brought down the canal levels too low. I’m sure you’re familiar with the Colorado River in the U.S. [which] is over indexed and over allocated, and it’s causing issues across the American Southwest. So this is not the issue of one city. This is the issue of how we treat water in the 21st century.

Scott: You mentioned Cape Town, South Africa, which got dangerously close to Day Zero back in 2018. How did they end up surviving that crisis?

Houck: Yeah, so I think there’s a little bit of hope and there’s a little bit of pessimism here in that the idea of this Day Zero campaign really kind of launched a lot in South Africa during the time. It was launched as this kind of awareness campaign to get people to reduce consumption, and that awareness campaign helped extend the runway. But as an expert told my colleagues over on the “Today, Explained” podcast, what ultimately helped in South Africa is that it rained. And we can’t always count on the rain. So I think we need to make systemic changes, or at least that’s what the experts I spoke to said, that we need to really rethink how we manage water as a resource.

Scott: Yeah, I mean, Mexico City is also counting on rains coming, hopefully next month, but what other options does the city have?

Houck: Yeah, so I think there’s like the short term ones that maybe you’re already thinking of, from what I said previously. You can fix these leaky pipes. If you’re saving 40% of water, that’s a big difference if you’re counting the days down before there’s no water at all. But ultimately, what needs to happen is also rethinking not just the way we manage water, but also, some experts said, rethinking the way we grow our cities, making it more possible for the aquifers we all rely upon to replenish and to avoid these kinds of boom-bust cycles where you get an intense rainstorm and everything floods. And instead of it all percolating down and being there for the long term for the city residents. it just floods out and rushes out to the rivers and the sea.

Scott: When I’ve reported on water issues, I’ve heard over and over again, that water is too cheap. In other words, especially for the biggest users like agriculture, the price doesn’t reflect the actual cost of that water. And if if we had to pay that cost, maybe we’d do a better job of conserving as a society. Are you hearing that as well?

Houck: Yeah, so I actually had like kind of an interesting discussion in the different academics I spoke to about this. I’m personally still torn, I’m not going to endorse any side, but one one person told me about the good that’s being done by charging industry in American cities for their wastewater, their sewage, their runoff, and how that’s incentivizing them to think more creatively about, instead of just using water once through a system, can they can they reuse it multiple times? And that sounded really convincing to me. I’ve also talked to people who say, look, this is fundamentally a human right. And when we’re talking about water and urban environments, treating it as a commodity can lead to gross inequities. I’m not sure exactly what the answer is, but I think there is like a rich discussion there about the best ways to treat this.

Scott: Yeah. And one thing I’ve heard is is priced appropriately for people who can pay and subsidized for those who can’t.

Houck: So yeah, and I think that’s one of the things that really jumps out to me also about Mexico City right now is the way this is exacerbating inequality, right? Like there’s obvious tensions around who does get water, whose pipes regularly work, but also when they don’t work, who has the money to pay for that increasingly expensive use of water.

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