What Is Water Scarcity?

Water is one of the most important resources in the world, if not the most important. It is essential for all living things, and in addition to drinking it, humans use it to cook food, generate energy, clean, grow food, and more. 

However, many people around the world do not always have reliable access to the water they need. This is known as water scarcity. In this article, we’ll explain in greater detail what water scarcity is, what causes it, and some of the solutions for reducing it.

Water Scarcity Explained

Water scarcity is a condition in which the demand for freshwater resources exceeds the available supply, leading to inadequate access to clean and safe drinking water for human consumption, agriculture, and industrial activities. Water scarcity is similar—and usually connected—to other issues like water insecurity, water stress, and water contamination.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over 2 billion people around the world who live in water-stressed countries, which can lead to water scarcity. Additionally, at least 2 billion people worldwide use a drinking water source that is contaminated with feces, which is a result of water scarcity. But what are the causes of water scarcity?

What Causes Water Scarcity?

Water scarcity is caused by a combination of factors, including population growth, urbanization, climate change, inefficient water use, pollution, and poor water management practices. Climate change, in particular, has a significant impact on water scarcity as it affects precipitation patterns, leading to droughts in some areas and floods in others. Additionally, the increasing demand for water from various sectors—like agriculture, energy, and urban development—exacerbates the problem.

Water scarcity is an especially dire issue in developing countries, as they often lack essential water infrastructure. This results in there not being enough water in certain areas, which can cause individuals to have to travel great distances for their water. So, what are some ways to prevent water scarcity?

What Are the Solutions to Water Scarcity?

There are a variety of solutions to water scarcity, including the development of sustainable water management practices, the protection and conservation of water resources, and efficient water use. Implementing water conservation measures is a crucial step toward addressing water scarcity. This includes reducing water waste, promoting water-efficient technologies, and improving water-use efficiency. 

Investing in water infrastructure—such as dams, canals, and water treatment plants—can help to increase the supply of clean water and improve access to water resources. Encouraging public awareness and education about the importance of water conservation and the need to protect water resources is also crucial to address water scarcity.

One of the biggest obstacles to having enough water for everyone is the ability to effectively clean water. In areas where water scarcity is an issue, there may still be water available, but it can often be contaminated or polluted. This falls under the need for improved water infrastructure, but there are also other ways to help people around the world access clean water.

At Aqua Clara, we help fight climate change by reducing over 40,000 tons of CO2 each year through our water filters, and that number continues to grow with each one we distribute. We also provide access to clean water by designing, developing, and disseminating clean water technologies to benefit those who live on less than $2 per day. 

Further, we increase access to safe drinking water by offering our Universal Cartridge Filter, which reduces many different contaminants and is multi-phasic, using several methods to fully filter and clean water. You can purchase a filter directly from our website, or from Wal-Mart, where they are also now available. 

Our Universal Cartridge Filter fits most household filter products, includes a rubber seal to protect against contamination, and will purify your home's drinking water at a reasonable price. The proceeds from these filters help fund our projects all over the world, so consider helping us make a difference by purchasing a filter today!

About Aqua Clara International

Scientists long ago discovered how to purify unsafe water. To us, the central issue has been in designing solutions that are both sustainable and scalable and that can reach the millions in need while at the same time continuing to function without sustained outside input. Our target populations are those individuals and families who live on $2 per day or less.

We are a technology transfer organization. Our niche in clean water continues to be in designing science-based technologies that utilize locally available materials where possible and then transferring what we learn to those working in areas of need. The cost of our technologies varies by country and is dependent on the prevailing costs of raw materials, such as plastic containers, PVC piping, sand, etc. Learn more by visiting our website.