What is Water Scarcity?

Water scarcity involves water crisis, water shortage, water deficit or water stress. Water scarcity can be
due to physical water scarcity and economic water scarcity. Physical water scarcity refers to a situation
where natural water resources are unable to meet a region’s demand while economic water scarcity is a
result of poor water management resources.

There are millions of people all over the world who don’t have access to water, or, if they do, that water
is unable to be used. About 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water, and 3% of it is actually
freshwater that is fit for human consumption. Around two-thirds of that is tucked in frozen glaciers and
unavailable for our use.

Causes of Water Scarcity

1. Overuse of Water

Water overuse is a huge issue that a lot of people are dealing with. It may be overused on people,
animals, land, or any other number of things. It may also be used for recreational activities without any
care about the effects that it may have on the world around them.

2. Pollution of Water

Water pollution is a huge problem, especially when you’re looking at areas that don’t necessarily have a
good sewage system. Pollution can be anything from oil, to carcasses, to chemicals, and fecal matter. No
matter what it is, it makes a lot of issues for the people who may need to use it.

3. Conflict

If there is conflict over an area of land, it may be difficult to access the water that is located there. It may
lead to the destruction of important local infrastructure that may cause disruptions of the water supply
for many people. This can result in a variety of other issues, including pollution, which was mentioned in
the previous point.

4. Distance
There are a number of remote areas throughout the entire world that deal with water scarcity because
they just aren’t close to anywhere that has water. Areas that are considered to be desert, or areas that
are secluded, may not have some sources where that the people can get water effectively.

5. Drought

A drought is, in short, an area especially hot and dry, which is not getting enough rainfall to be able to
sustain the life that is residing there. Some areas are in a perpetual drought, whereas other areas may
be dealing with a drought on occasion.

Droughts are common all over the world that may severely lower the groundwater level making it
impossible for people to get water from fountains, and there is little that can be done to prevent such
things from happening.

6. Governmental Access

In some countries, specifically those with dictatorships, the use of water may be strictly controlled by
those in power, causing a scarcity for those who may be located in those areas of the world. These
governments use it as a source of control over those that they are governing, which can be a huge
problem.

7. Global Warming

Global warming is another important cause of water scarcity. When our average air temperature
becomes warmer, water from rivers and lakes evaporates faster, which may contribute to the drying up
of water bodies.Therefore, people who rely on those water bodies for drinking water significantly suffer
from the consequences of global warming, affecting the local water supply.

8. Illegal dumping

Illegal dumping is another significant reason for water shortages. Industries frequently dispose of their
industrial garbage into nearby rivers and lakes since it is an easy and cheap way to get rid of this waste.
It leads to serious water pollution, which may result in severe water scarcity for people who rely on
those water bodies for the water supply.
9. Groundwater Pollution

Soil pollution or illegal dumping can also cause groundwater pollution as harmful substances get washed
through the soil into groundwater during rainfall. Locals who rely on clean groundwater suffer from
severe levels of water scarcity if there is no alternative water supply in place.

10. Natural Disasters

Natural disasters like tsunamis, floods may also cause severe water shortages for the local population
since important public infrastructure may be destroyed. The severe natural disaster may entirely
collapse the local water supply.

Floods may also lead to serious pollution of local water bodies as large amounts of soil are moved, and
after floods, local rivers may no longer be suitable for drinking water purposes for a certain period of
time.

Disastrous Effects of Water Scarcity

1. Lack of Access to Drinking Water

The biggest problem that happens when you have water scarcity is that people are not able to get fresh,
clean drinking water. The human body can hardly survive so long without water, and a lack of drinking
water can result in a number of other problems, which we discuss below.

2. Hunger

If there is no water that can be used to help water the crops, then you are going to have people that are
going hungry. Animals will also die, which will result in a lack of meat as well. Water scarcity, in short,
causes starvation to occur en masse for both people and animals that are located in the area.

3. Lack of Education

Water scarcity makes it difficult for people to get the education that they need or that they deserve.
Why? Mainly because those children are either too sick to go to school (which we will discuss below) or
they are working to help get water to the home and the family.

4. Diseases
If you don’t have clean water access, then you will be more likely to get diseases from the water that
you do have. Whether you’re drinking the water or using it for bathing, those diseases will get into the
body.

In a number of cases, people are likely to carry bacteria and infect other people. In severe cases, these
diseases may cause loss of lives, even spread across borders, which may also lead to pandemics.

5. Sanitation Issues

Since we need water for several tasks of our daily life, without having access to clean water for drinking,
cooking, washing or bathing, it usually results in unhygienic conditions for people.

When people are not given access to proper sanitation, diseases (which we talked about above) become
much more of an issue than it would have been otherwise. It also causes mental health issues, including
depression and anxiety.

6. Poverty

All in all, people who are dealing with water scarcity are often stuck in poverty as well. These people are
not able to get the resources that they need to be able to thrive, and instead are just barely surviving
through these difficult times.

7. Migration

Water scarcity may also lead to migration waves. When large areas of land may no longer be suitable for
living or farming because of water scarcity, millions of people may lose their livelihood due to that.
These people may be forced to migrate to other places to survive.

8. Destruction of Habitats

Water is crucial for all life forms on our planet. If water scarcity persists over a longer period, it may also
lead to the destruction of whole habitats. Animals and plants may no longer be able to get enough
water and may therefore die or have to move to other regions.
10. Loss of Biodiversity

If regions suffer from severe water shortages, some animals may become extinct since they simply
starve or die of thirst. Many plants may no longer be able to grow and reproduce in a sufficient manner
causing serious biodiversity loss.

Solutions to Water Scarcity

1. Save Water Whenever Possible

This could mean limiting the use of water, the use of washing machines, taking short showers instead of
full baths. Even if you are on vacation in countries where water is scarce, try to save water. You should
also try to convince your family and friends to save water. Save it whenever and wherever possible.

2. Education

There are plenty of opportunities out there that people can use to learn more about the world around
them. By educating those who are not dealing with water scarcity, they can be in a position to help.
Those who are dealing with it can get educated on how they can prevent the problem from becoming
even worse in the future.

3. Recycle Water

There are plenty of technologies available that allow you to recycle rainwater and other water that you
may be used in your home. Consider learning about how you can recycle water. Not only does it help to
prevent scarcity, but it can save you some money as well.

4. Advance Technology Related to Water Conservation

There has been a lot of work in the world of water conservation, but there is also a lot that needs to be
done to ensure that the rest of the world can conserve water. Putting money and effort into
conservation could be life-saving.

5. Improve Practices Related to Farming

Farming and irrigation are often a huge culprit when it comes to water scarcity. Because of that, we
need to improve practices so that we don’t use as much water and those who are using water are using
it to its fullest potential. Technology also needs to advance in this manner.

6. Less Use of Chemicals in Farming

At present, excessive levels of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used to maximize crop yields.
However, it leads to serious soil pollution, which in turn translates into groundwater pollution and
contributes to the water scarcity issue. It is crucial that farmers reduce the use of chemicals for farming
to ensure clean water and reduced water shortage problem.

7. Improve Sewage Systems

Clean drinking water starts with a good sewage system. Without proper sanitation, the water in an area
becomes ridden with disease and any number of other problems. By improving the sewage systems in
these areas, we can prevent water scarcity from becoming any worse.

8. Better Water Distribution Infrastructure

Many people worldwide, especially in poor developing countries, are still not connected to the public
water infrastructure. These people often solely rely on fountains to meet their water demand, which
may not work in droughts. These people are at high risk to suffer from severe water shortages. By
connecting these people to the public water supply, water scarcity risk could be greatly reduced.

9. Support Clean Water Initiatives

There are organizations located all over the world that are looking to bring clean water to areas that
don’t have it. Consider donating to these organizations, either with your time, your skills, or your
finances (whichever you can afford to give to them).