Water Scarcity

Water scarcity is defined as a lack of freshwater to meet the needs of the population. Many estimate that by 2025 half of the world’s population will be living in water-stressed areas.

Combatting water scarcity has been a high priority of many organizations and ministries. In fact, the World Health Organization has also made clean water a priority. Over a decade ago, the UN General Assembly clearly recognized the need: “Everyone has the right to sufficient, continuous, safe, acceptable, physically accessible, and affordable water for personal and domestic use.”1

There are numerous causes of fresh-water shortage. Here is a sampling:

Pollution in water

More people and the resulting development has caused changes in water ecosystems. As populations grow, demand grows with it. For example, more water is needed for agriculture and industrial needs. Domestic needs also rise as more people are drinking water, preparing food, watering their yards and using water in their homes. As population grows, the water infrastructure often lags behind and contributes to the crisis.

Population growth

More people and the resulting development has caused changes in water ecosystems. As populations grow, demand grows with it. For example, more water is needed for agriculture and industrial needs. Domestic needs also rise as more people are drinking water, preparing food, watering their yards and using water in their homes. As population grows, the water infrastructure often lags behind and contributes to the crisis.

Damaged infrastructure

Pipes, treatment plants, pumps, and so on, are in disrepair in many parts of the world. This is a universal problem but often hits impoverished countries the hardest. Aging infrastructure causes tremendous loss of water, leaving even less water available to the area. Community and government leaders are being called upon to better protect and distribute water more safely and efficiently.


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