01. Definition

What Is Water Scarcity?

Water scarcity occurs when the demand for water surpasses the available resources, or when poor water quality limits its use. It’s a problem that manifests in two primary ways: physical scarcity, where there simply isn’t enough water, and economic scarcity, where water infrastructure is insufficient to meet the needs of the population.

02. Causes

The Root Causes of Water Scarcity

The factors contributing to water scarcity are varied and complex:

Climate Change: Altered weather patterns, reduced glacial runoff, and more frequent droughts are making water less predictable and harder to manage.
Growing Population: As the global population swells, so too does the demand for water, putting immense pressure on already stressed resources.
Inefficient Water Management: Poorly managed water systems, from leaky infrastructure to wasteful agricultural practices, exacerbate the scarcity problem.
Pollution: Contaminated water sources further limit the availability of safe drinking water, adding another layer of complexity to the issue.

03. Impacts

The Far-Reaching Impacts

The consequences of water scarcity are severe and touch nearly every aspect of life:

Health Risks: Without access to clean water, diseases like cholera and typhoid thrive, particularly in regions already struggling with poverty.
Threat to Food Security:Agriculture, which consumes the majority of the world’s freshwater, is hit hard by water shortages, leading to reduced crop yields and higher food prices.
Economic Disruption: Industries reliant on water face production challenges, potentially leading to job losses and economic instability.
Social and Political Tensions: When water is scarce, competition can lead to conflicts, both within and between nations.

04. Solutions

Water scarcity solutions

Aug 2020

Water Saving Aerators

A sustainable water saving aerator used in hand washes & sinks

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Oct 2020

ACQ80 - Solar Pump Drive

An electrical power converter to transform solar dc to ac power for water pumps

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Nov 2018

Purifaaya

Locally-produced water filters for the production of safe drinking water in uganda

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Mar 2021

DEA Water Saving Device

A low cost and fast amortization device for water and gas savings

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Success Stories

OSMOSUN by OSMOSUN implemented by Island of Santiago in Island of Santiago (Cape Verde) in 2021

OSMOSUN by OSMOSUN implemented by Sand to Green in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region (Morocco) in 2024

LM INNOVATION technology by LM Innovation implemented by Astredhor Sud Ouest - France in Bordeaux (France) in 2023

From the Ground to the Cloud by RAINCATCHER implemented by TİGEM in Konya (Turkey) in 2025

From the Ground to the Cloud by RAINCATCHER implemented by Mistikoğlu Tarım Farm in Hatay (Turkey) in 2025

PV LifeBox Water Pumping & Desalination by Noornation implemented by LBX Ways Kherbawy Faem in Kafr Al-Sheikh (Egypt) in 2023

Hummbox Smart watering by Simpliciti implemented by Municipality of Martigues in Martigues (France) in 2022

CE Green City panels by CEYES Circular Experts implemented by The Green Rangers in Amstelveen (Netherlands) in 2022

Waterless Urinal by URIMAT Schweiz AG implemented by McDonald's in Zurich (Switzerland) in 2002

AI for high-efficiency Water Networks by Altereo implemented by Grand Annecy in Annecy (France) in 2022

BuntBrain by BuntPlanet implemented by FACSA in Borriana (Spain) in 2019

WaterKiosk by Boreal Light GmbH implemented by The city of Mykolaiv in Mykolaiv (Ukraine) in 2022

WaterKiosk by Boreal Light GmbH implemented by DEG Impulse gGmbH in Mombasa (Kenya) in 2021

WaterKiosk by Boreal Light GmbH implemented by Lady Fatemah Trust Fund in Najaf (Iraq) in 2023

CUBàO by Quadrilater implemented by Buros town hall in Gelos (France) in 2023

CUBàO by Quadrilater implemented by Lagor town hall in Lagor (France) in 2022

06. Challenges

Overcoming the Challenges

While solutions exist, implementing them is not without challenges:

Financial Barriers: Many regions struggle with the funding needed to upgrade water infrastructure and implement new technologies.
Political Hurdles: Effective water management requires strong political will, which can be hard to come by in areas of instability.
Cultural Resistance: Sometimes, traditional practices and beliefs can slow the adoption of new water-saving technologies.
Unpredictable Climate: As climate patterns continue to shift, planning for water management becomes increasingly complex.

07. Conclusion

Final Thoughts

Water scarcity is a daunting challenge, but it’s not insurmountable. By leveraging innovative solutions, fostering strong governance, and promoting sustainable practices, we can ensure that water remains a resource for all, now and in the future. The time to act is now—because without water, there is no life.

Connect with us

Any questions

Feel free to get in touch with us
pauline.michiels@solarimpulse.com

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