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

Feb 2020

Use case available

WaterKiosk

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

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Aug 2020

Skipper NDT

Predictive maintenance and precision mapping of buried pipelines against safety and environmental threats

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Jan 2024

The GROW Container Farm

A process revolutionizing the control environment agriculture with an automated, aseptic, and data-driven technology

Agrifood & Natural Environment

Nov 2022

Use case available

CE Green City panels

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

Buildings & Constructions

05. Implementations

Success Stories

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

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

GREENOVA by CleanGreens Solutions SA implemented by Domaine Mattines in Perly (Switzerland) in 2020

GREENOVA by CleanGreens Solutions SA implemented by Green Life Co in Adbali (Kuwait) in 2023

GREENOVA by CleanGreens Solutions SA implemented by MidiFlore in Hyéres (France) in 2024

GREENOVA by CleanGreens Solutions SA implemented by Les Crudettes in Châteauneuf-sur-Loire (France) in 2022

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

Hydraloop by Hydraloop Systems BV implemented by Upgrade Real Estate in Ghent (Belgium) in 2022

Hydraloop by Hydraloop Systems BV implemented by Wind Groep in Lemmer (Netherlands) in 2023

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

Drop2Drink Unit by D2D Water Solutions B.V. implemented by De Watergroep in Schaarbeek (Belgium) in 2024

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

The SunAir Fountain® by AGUA DE SOL implemented by Amal Biladi Association in Aït Bourd (Morocco) in 2024

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

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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