REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology

Guang- guang, Dahican City of Mati

SCARCITY OF WATER

Submitted to:
Dr. John Glen P. Seniel

Submitted by:
Caren Longyapon Taon
 What is water scarcity?
Is the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demands of water usage
within a region, water is unequally distributed over time and space much of it is wasted, polluted
and unsustainably managed many water systems are under stress from a growing human
population, this means that rivers, lakes and aquifers are drying up or are becoming too polluted
to use. This implies that the water shortage problem is real one, which affects around 27% of
the world’s population.
There are two types of water scarcity: physical and economic.
Physical, or absolute, water scarcity is the result of a regions demand outpacing the
limited water resources. Physical water scarcity can be seasonal an estimated two-thirds of the
world’s population lives in areas subject to seasonal water scarcity at least one month of the
year
Economic water scarcity is due to lack of water infrastructure in general or to the poor
management of water resources where infrastructure is in place. In areas with economic water
scarcity, there usually is sufficient water to meet human environmental needs, but access is
limited. Economic water scarcity can also result from unregulated water use for agriculture and
industry.

Causes of water scarcity

Pollution
- is a major cause of water shortage. Water is polluted when industrial wastes are
deposited into water bodies thus making it unfit for human consumption.
Overuse of water
- When water is overused, shortage occurs. Some people use too much water especially
for irrigation purposes.
Water wastage
- Major cause of water shortage. Some people leave their taps running even when they
are not fetching water.
Drought
- When drought strikes an area, there is usually no rain for a long period of time. This
makes rivers to dry. Other water sources such as streams, ponds also dry.
Destruction of water catchment area
- Forests are continually being destroyed through deforestation to pave way for human
settlement.
 Effects of water scarcity
Lack of adequate drinking water
- Water is important to our health. When there is shortage, people lack enough clean
water to drink.
Lack of education
- When there is water shortage in an area, children often abandon school to help their
parents look for water. Some of them grow too weak to go to school.
Hunger
- Water shortages makes it difficult to grow crops especially in dry areas that depend on
irrigation. When crops are not planted, there won’t be enough food for people.
Diseases and parasites
- Water is used for different domestic purposes including bathing. When there is shortage,
people may not bath. Their bodies will be dirty hence susceptible to infection by
diseases and attack by parasites.
Sanitation problem
- Lack of enough water makes cleaning of dishes, clothes and other household items
difficult. They will remain dirty and unhygienic. This will have a negative effect on the
health of an individual.

Solutions
- People should be educated on the benefits of conserving water
- Laws should be enacted to prevent water pollution. Those found polluting water should
pay a fine or face imprisonment.
- People should be encouraged to recycle rain water.
- Farmers should be encouraged to adopt farming practices that use less water.
- Water catchment areas should be preserved.
- People should contribute funds to support clean water initiatives especially in areas that
face water shortage.
 Environmental Technology Innovations to Mitigate the Scarcity of
Water

Waterseer
Waterseer- it looks like a well, but instead of withdrawing groundwater, the waterseer uses the
surrounding environment to extract water from the atmosphere.
 Solar water pump
Solar water pump- in hot and dry climates, many farmers pump groundwater to irrigate crops,
and there has been a growth in the use of solar-powered pumps. A part-technological, part
policy and management solutions by research programme on Water, land and ecosystem and in
partnership with the International Water Management Institute farmers using solar pumps to sell
excess power back to the grid, so that the farmers gain income, the state gains electricity
reserves and the water source is conserved by curbing usage all while reducing carbon
emissions.

Fog catchers
Vast mesh nets capture from fog, which drips into collection trays after condensation. Fog
catching could provide a sustainable supply of drinking water for small communities in water-
scarce regions, but it is unlikely to generate enough water to significantly increase water
supplies.