What Are Some Solutions to Water Scarcity? Effective Methods

Finding effective solutions to water scarcity is always a major global issue. The water crisis affects billions of people and ecosystems, leading to many serious problems. In this post, we’ll explore the causes of water deficit, short-term and sustainable solutions to this scarcity. 

How to reduce water scarcity

Water Scarcity Problems

Water scarcity affects many lives worldwide, limiting access to clean water for drinking, sanitation, and agriculture.

The water crisis is a big global issue, and we need to use different methods to protect valuable water resources. 

What is water scarcity?

Water scarcity happens when the water demand surpasses the available supply in a specific area, or when clean, safe water is inaccessible. 

It is generally classified into two main types:

• Physical Water Scarcity: Occurs when natural freshwater sources are insufficient to meet the population’s needs, often seen in arid or semi-arid regions.

• Economic Water Scarcity: This happens when people lack the infrastructure, technology, or financial resources to access clean water, even though fresh water may be available in the environment.

Definition of water scarcity

Water scarcity - a global issue

Water scarcity is becoming a critical global issue, affecting communities worldwide. 

With the global population steadily increasing, the water demand is rising rapidly, while available resources remain limited. 

It is said that by 2025, nearly two-thirds of the world’s population could experience water shortages.

According to UNICEF‘s statistics, we are also aware of the severity of the water deficit.

• Around 4 billion people face severe water shortages for at least one month annually.

• Over 2 billion live in countries with an inadequate water supply

• By 2025, half the world’s population may face water scarcity

• By 2030, 700 million people could be displaced due to it. 

• By 2040, one in four children may live in areas with extremely high water stress.

Water crisis around the world

The World Economic Forum identifies water shortage as a major global risk. Countries like India and China face intense pressure from growing populations. 

Others, including Great Britain, Australia, Mexico, Yemen, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, sub-Saharan African nations, and even parts of the U.S., also experience significant challenges due to droughts, overuse, pollution, or aging infrastructure. 

Though causes vary, water scarcity consistently leads to serious consequences across regions.

Causes of water scarcity

What causes water scarcity? There are many root factors; however, in general, people address the 5 main causes of the water shortage.

• Climate change: 

Climate change is a major driver of the global water crisis, worsening conditions in already water-stressed regions.

Prolonged droughts in Somalia and intense monsoons in Bangladesh highlight these effects. 

In sub-Saharan Africa, 80% of farmland suffers from soil degradation due to drought, while rising sea levels are contaminating freshwater sources with salt, reducing access to drinkable water.

• Natural disasters:

According to UNICEF, nearly 75% of natural disasters from 2001 to 2018 were water-related, such as droughts and floods.

These disasters disrupt access to clean water and increase the risk of waterborne diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and malaria.

As climate change intensifies, such events are expected to become more frequent.

Natural disasters like floods affect the clean water resource

• War and conflict: 

Conflicts in Syria, the Central African Republic, and Yemen have severely damaged water and sanitation infrastructure, with water sources sometimes deliberately targeted. 

Displaced people and refugees often lack access to clean water and sanitation in overcrowded camps.

• Increased water usage: 

As the population grows, so does the demand for water to meet essential needs such as drinking, sanitation, and hygiene. 

Additionally, agriculture and industry consume vast amounts of water to operate effectively.

• Lack of infrastructure

Outdated or poorly maintained water supply systems cause significant water loss through leaks and spills. 

Upgrading infrastructure and adopting advanced technologies can enhance water efficiency and accessibility.

Consequences of Water Scarcity

Before exploring effective solutions to water scarcity, you should understand the causes and consequences of this crisis.

Here are some serious issues caused by the water deficit:

• Food shortage: Insufficient water for irrigation leads to reduced agricultural productivity and threatens global food security.

• Lack of access to clean water: Millions face health risks due to limited availability of safe drinking water, increasing vulnerability to waterborne diseases. Each year, 842,000 people die from diarrhea linked to unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation. In developing countries, 80% of illnesses stem from unhealthy water or sanitation systems, and water-related diseases cause one in four deaths among children under five. (WHO statistics)

• Increased human conflicts: Scarce water resources can lead to disputes between communities, regions, or even nations.

• Energy shortage: Water is vital for generating hydroelectric power and cooling systems; shortages disrupt energy production and supply.

• Economic slowdown: Reduced agricultural output, energy disruption, and health costs slow down economic growth and development. The water consumption of the electronics and fashion industries is huge. The rising cost of water may make it more difficult to obtain phones, clothes, and other necessities.

Water shortage can threaten global food security

Short-Term Solutions to Water Scarcity

Communities, governments, and individuals can take various actions to reduce water scarcity. Here are some practical solutions to water scarcity.

Reduce water use

You can help conserve water by taking shorter showers, installing low-flow toilets, and harvesting rainwater for your garden. 

Additionally, reusing greywater, fixing leaks promptly, and supporting sustainable energy and water-saving projects all contribute to reducing water waste. (Learn more about How to conserve water )

Increase water storage

Climate change leads to more frequent droughts and floods. 

Expanding reservoir capacity allows us to capture and store floodwaters, preventing their loss to the ocean, where they become salty and harder to treat. 

This stored water can then be used during drought periods to ensure a reliable supply. 

Plan an irrigation reservoir 

Fix leaks and repair infrastructure

Fixing leaks and repairing water infrastructure are essential steps in conserving water and reducing waste. 

Outdated or damaged infrastructure often causes these leaks, and if left unattended, they not only waste valuable resources but also increase costs for communities and households.

Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and upgrading outdated systems can greatly improve water efficiency, ensuring that more water reaches its intended use without unnecessary loss. 

Investing in infrastructure repair is a cost-effective way to help address water scarcity challenges.

Sustainable Solutions to Water Scarcity

The water scarcity can be reduced significantly if we commit to making huge changes. 

Some sustainable solutions to water scarcity include:

Infrastructure

Upgrading water supply systems to reduce leaks and enhance distribution efficiency can significantly improve access to clean water, especially in densely populated urban regions.

Besides, an effective water filtration system is also vital to ensure you access to fresh water. 

Sophisticated water filtration systems will get rid of bacteria, microbes, and other contaminants and produce purified water. 

Water filtration systems make sure you have access to purified water

Irrigation and agriculture

Industrial agriculture puts immense pressure on water supplies, but adopting more efficient irrigation methods can make a significant difference. 

Replacing traditional flood irrigation with systems like sprinklers or drip irrigation helps conserve large volumes of water. 

When combined with better soil management techniques, such as no-till farming, minimal tillage, and mulching. 

These improvements not only reduce water usage but also support sustainable crop production.

Sprinklers or drip irrigation

Conservation

Each year, an immense amount of water is wasted, primarily through indirect means such as agriculture, mining, and the automotive industry. 

The World Water Council reports that 70% of global water withdrawals are used for irrigation and agriculture, with industry accounting for 20%. 

A UK statement to the OSCE emphasized the need for sustainable natural resource management to address climate and biodiversity challenges. 

Reducing pollution and improving water quality monitoring are key steps in protecting both human health and ecosystems.

Solution to water conservation

Community

Building communities around local water systems can significantly increase awareness and promote sustainable water use. 

Initiatives like those supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), including the Alliance for Water Stewardship, help organizations manage water responsibly on both global and local scales.

Educating individuals and businesses about more conscious consumption habits is essential to tackling future water crises.

Water Saving Education

International cooperation

Transboundary cooperation is essential to ensure equitable access to water resources and support global economic stability. 

However, establishing binding international agreements for natural resources remains a significant challenge. 

Managing cross-border water agreements is complex and often fraught with political and logistical obstacles. 

Despite these challenges, continued efforts by international organizations are crucial. 

Ensuring access to clean drinking water at the local level can serve as a foundation for stronger global partnerships and sustainable, long-term solutions.

International cooperation to save water

Closing Thoughts

It may seem daunting to address the world’s water supply shortage, but you can create a significant impact by implementing some effective solutions to water scarcity. Importantly, we need to come together to protect water sources, our Earth.