Water Scarcity

Written by Kaho Ishihara

As the global population continues to expand, the demand for finite resources grows. Among these, fresh water is one of the most critical.

Approximately 1 in 4, or over 2 billion people lack access to clean drinking water, which impacts their basic hygiene and health. Without water and soap, people cannot wash their hands, allowing germs to spread rapidly. Water scarcity also causes dehydration and increases the risk of waterborne diseases. Waterborne diseases are caused by pathogens such as E. coli that spread through contaminated water. More than 1 million people die due to its impacts yearly.

Especially in poorer regions, women and children are most affected, as they are responsible for collecting water for their families and communities. Traveling long distances to gather water allows for less time for school or work, risks their safety, and requires considerable physical labor. The regions most affected by water scarcity include the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with Kuwait, Cyprus, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain being the top 5 countries with the highest water stress.

Current solutions include improving water infrastructure through sensors, AI, and data-driven decisions to allocate water to where it is needed most. To provide larger access to clean water in poorer regions, using water purification tablets that can kill microorganisms and pathogens can help reduce the risk of waterborne diseases. Additionally, because nearly 70% of all water globally is consumed by agriculture, reducing its consumption is crucial. Implementing methods such as rainwater harvesting, micro-irrigation, and drip irrigation will help.

To prevent water shortages in a time of increasing population growth, industrial development, agricultural production, and climate change, it is critical for each individual to become aware of this issue. A first step can be to educate people on how they can change their water consumption habits to help conserve water. These habits include taking shorter showers, not wasting food, avoiding running water, and using the dishwasher or washing machine only when the load is full.

Ultimately, ensuring wider access to safe water worldwide requires cooperation between governments, industries, and communities. By utilizing technology and practicing sustainable habits, we can improve our current situation and provide a better future for later generations.