Water scarcity is a relative concept that occurs when the demand for safe, usable water in a given area exceeds the supply. There are two types of water scarcity: physical and economic water scarcity.
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Physical water scarcity: This occurs when there is not enough water to meet all demands, including that needed for ecosystems to function. Arid areas, such as Central and West Asia and North Africa, often experience physical water scarcity.
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Economic water scarcity: This is the result of a lack of investment in infrastructure or technology to draw water from rivers, aquifers, or other water sources. It also results from weak human capacity to meet water demand.
Water scarcity limits access to safe water for drinking and for practicing basic hygiene at home, in schools, and in health-care facilities. It can be caused by various factors, including climate change, population growth, and unsustainable water use.
Some key facts about water scarcity include:
- About 4 billion people, representing nearly two-thirds of the global population, experience severe water scarcity during at least one month of the year.
- 72% of all water withdrawals are used by agriculture, 16% by municipalities for households and services, and 12% by industries.
- Clean freshwater is an essential ingredient for a healthy human life, but 1.1 billion people lack access to water, and 2.7 billion experience water scarcity at least one month a year.
Addressing water scarcity requires a combination of measures, including improving water management, investing in infrastructure, and promoting sustainable water use practices.
