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 2019

Use case available

OASIS: Multimodal Hydroactive System

An innovative green roof for urban buildings

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Sep 2023

Affordable drinking water through franchised entrepreneurs

The solution is based on water kiosks equipped with water treatment units to deliver safe water in West Africa countries

Agrifood & Natural Environment

Nov 2020

Sludge Drying Beds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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