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 2021

Waterpod by I-Drop

Affordable, safe drinking water refill dispensers

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

May 2020

Off-grid sustainable sanitation

Waterless flush toilets and sanitation solutions for everyone, everywhere

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Jan 2021

Use case available

Sunlight Pump

Solar-powered water pump for smallholder farmers and communities

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

Jun 2019

AquaSOL

A solar-powered micro-distribution center for sustainable water supply in developing countries

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Success Stories

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

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

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

Hummbox Smart watering by Simpliciti implemented by Municipality of Martigues in Martigues (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

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

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

The SunAir Fountain® by AGUA DE SOL implemented by 2D Water in Marrakesh (Morocco) in 2024

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

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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