Water scarcity occurs due to human causes as well as natural causes. Nowadays, water scarcity has become a global issue. Many areas around the world are affected by water scarcity and about 2.7 billion people face water scarcity every year. Water scarcity is caused by many factors like climate change, deforestation, overpopulation, wastage of water, etc. In this article, we will learn every point in detail regarding water scarcity.
What is Water Scarcity?
Another term for water scarcity is water shortage or water crisis. When there is not enough water available for the population or within a region to meet demand, this situation is referred to as water scarcity. It is a situation that develops when there is a greater demand for water than there is supply. It makes it difficult to meet needs for a variety of uses such as household use, industries, agriculture, or environmental sustainability.
Water Stress
Water stress refers to the situation when there is no sufficient access to potable water. Approximately 1.1 billion people are under water stress. Many countries are suffering from water stress. Particularly in Africa, a large percentage of people have no easy access to fresh water. The common method of getting freshwater is by digging holes in riverbeds.
The crisis of water causes water pollution. For example, if there is inadequate water available for sanitation, water gets polluted through the introduction of disease-causing pathogens. A large percentage of all water-borne diseases are caused by water pollution.
Major Causes of Water Scarcity
The major causes of water scarcity are given below:
Climate Change
Naturally, climate change is a major cause of water scarcity around the world. Due to deforestation, the temperature of the surrounding area increases. In sub-Saharan Africa, 80 percent of land is falling due to climate change-induced drought and the sea level rise is making fresh water sources salty. That means, that water is no longer suitable for human consumption.
Waste of Water
Water wastage is a major cause of water scarcity. For example, rooftop tanks overflowing, keeping the faucets open for no reason, etc. Apparently these may seem like small things, but when combined, they can cause major water wastage. According to the information provided by water management experts, 30-40% of water in a city is wasted in this way. Approximately 90,000 gallons of water are wasted worldwide in this way.
Lack of Information on Water
Lack of information on water also contributes to water scarcity. The UN water report failed to collect any data on water use from 3 billion people. And those people live in areas where the other factors on the list are also having an impact. That means, there remains a fear that these people are not drinking clean water. And when all the world’s rivers, lakes and usable water information is available, it will be easier to solve water problems.
Lack of Infrastructure
Many countries lack the necessary infrastructure to properly utilize water resources. This prevents clean water from reaching those who need it most. Granted, in many cases such infrastructure is costly to set up. But the need for water is more.
Natural Disaster
A UNICEF report shows that 75% of natural disasters from 2001 to 2018 were water-related. As there are droughts, there are also floods. Floods destroy or pollute many sources of clean water. This not only causes people to lack clean drinking water, but also increases the risk of various water-borne diseases such as diarrhea.
The Refugee Problem
This is also a cause of water scarcity. As refugees seek refuge in different parts of the world, the areas have become densely populated. As a result, there is an additional impact on the water source or infrastructure in these places. Many times people cross the border due to war or some other reason and take refuge in neighboring countries. It was found that the place where they have taken refuge, there is already a climate problem or water shortage.
Popular Increase
The another important cause of water scarcity is rapid population increase. Rapid population increases may cause water scarcity or water shortage. Due to increasing population, the demand of water is more than the supply of water.
Effects of Water Scarcity
The effects of water scarcity are very dangerous for both the human and animal. Due to water scarcity, pollution arises. For example, if there is no sufficient water available for sanitation, then all water-borne infections are spread. Here are the few problems which arise because of water scarcity:
- Lack of access to drinking water
- Hunger
- Diseases
- Sanitation issues
- Migration
- Destruction of habitats
- Loss of biodiversity
Factors to Reduce Water Scarcity
As we know , water scarcity is very dangerous for both humans and animals, so we have to find out the factors to reduce water scarcity. Here we discuss some factors that can reduce water scarcity problem:
Save Water
The most important and easy way to reduce water scarcity is to save water. It will be done by each and every people by using short showers, not wasting unnecessary water and water harvesting etc.
Proper Education
Most of the people are unaware of the term ‘water scarcity ‘. By giving them proper education about the water and the water scarcity, we can easily and efficiently reduce water scarcity.
Recycle Water
Water scarcity can be reduced by recycling water. We can recycle water by water harvesting and by using other scientific techniques.
Improve Agriculture Technique
We use a lot of water in agriculture. A good amount of water is wasted in agriculture that can be controlled by using scientific techniques. So that we can reduce water scarcity problem.
Conclusion – Major cause of Water scarcity
In conclusion, water scarcity is a serious worldwide problem that needs immediate, cooperative solutions. To overcome this problem, technological advancements, international cooperation, and sustainable water management are essential. To ensure a sustainable future, individuals, communities, governments, and corporations must collaborate in putting effective water conservation methods and responsible water usage into practice.
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FAQs on Water Scarcity
What do you Mean by Water Scarcity?
Water scarcity refers the shortage of water or water crisis. When there is not enough water available for population or within a region to meet demand, this situation is referred to as water scarcity.
Give a brief idea on Water Stress.
Water-stress refers that there is no sufficient access to potable water. Approximately 1.1 billion people are under water stress. Many countries are suffering from water stress. Particularly in Africa, a large percentage of people have no easy access to fresh water.
Write down 3 Important Causes of Water Scarcity.
Water scarcity is occured by many causes. The major and important causes are given below:
- Climate change
- Global warming
- Overpopulation
Which Country has the Worst Water Scarcity?
African countries, mainly Eastern and Western part of Africa, have the worst water crisis.
How Serious is the Water Crisis?
Water crisis is a dangerous issue in recent time. According to UNICEF, by the end of 2025, 50% places of this world will be living with insufficient water.
How can we Solve Water Scarcity?
Recycled wastewater and rainwater collection help to lessen shortages and lighten the burden on groundwater and other natural water sources.
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