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

Nov 2020

EZPuro

Automated compact reverse osmosis water purification and desalination system

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Agrifood & Natural Environment

Nov 2022

CE Green City panels

A recycled rubber-based panel developed for water retention in creating greenroofs, locally produced from local waste

Buildings & Constructions

Mar 2023

Drop2Drink Unit

A decentralized domestic water filtration system that filters rainwater to 100% microbiologically safe drinking water

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Nov 2020

Sludge Drying Beds

A dewatering technology for the implementation of the urban sewage sludge directive

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Success Stories

ALTRA PROVEN WATER TECHNOLOGY by Sanexen implemented by City of Toronto in Toronto (Canada) in 2019

Elemental Water Source by Elemental Water Makers implemented by Save the Children in Hafun (Somalia) in 2023

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

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

Water Intelligence Platform by Droople implemented by Fontaineo in Geneva (Switzerland) in 2022

Water Intelligence Platform by Droople implemented by Vebego in Vevey (Switzerland) in 2021

Water Intelligence Platform by Droople implemented by Lombard Odier in Geneva (Switzerland) in 2022

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

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

Turnkey vertical farms by Futura Gaïa implemented by Les Halles Mandar in Tarascon (France) in 2021

Sunlight Pump by ennos implemented by Pyflor farm in Valle de Ángeles (Honduras) in 2017

Shayp by Shayp implemented by Professional High School Le Balcon des Ardennes in Saint-Laurent (France) in 2021

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

Desolenator by Desolenator implemented by Silal in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) in 2023

Desolenator by Desolenator implemented by Carlsberg Group in Bengal (India) in 2020

Desolenator by Desolenator implemented by Dubai Water and Electricity Authority in Dubaï (United Arab Emirates) 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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