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

Dec 2020

Thermoflex

A green energy solar water heating and storage system

Buildings & Constructions

Nov 2022

Solid water tank

A solid water tank 100% biodegradable made of potassium reticulate that saves up to 80% of water for all types of plants

Agrifood & Natural Environment

Feb 2020

Use case available

WaterKiosk

Affordable and simple solar water desalination systems for off-grid communities

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Mar 2024

Ecolo5

An efficient protective plate designed to promote the growth of stem plants (such as tomatoes) while using less water.

Agrifood & Natural Environment

05. Implementations

Success Stories

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

VG Holz by Demet'Air implemented by Toulouse Métropole in Toulouse (France) in 2019

OASIS: Multimodal Hydroactive System by Le Prieuré Vegetal i.D. implemented by L'École nationale supérieure d'art et de design in Nancy (France) in 2015

Water Powered Piston Technology by Dosatron implemented by WATALUX SA in Pabré (Burkina Faso) in 2019

Geolife Programs for Chemical-Free Agriculture by Bioma SA implemented by Farm Bangerter in Gampelen (Switzerland) in 2018

Pump&Drink by Sotrad Water implemented by Ministère de l'Eau et de l'Hydraulique Villageoise + UNICEF in Dapaong (Togo) in 2022

AQS Aquarius Spectrum by AQS (Aquarius Spectrum) implemented by A2A Ciclo Idrico in Brescia (Italy) in 2020

CO2 treatment for limestone by Ecobulles implemented by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas in Vineuil (France) in 2017

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

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

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

CUBàO by Quadrilater implemented by Pyrénées-Atlantiques Departmental Council in Gourette (France) in 2022

CUBàO by Quadrilater implemented by Buros town hall in Buros (France) in 2024

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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