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

Jan 2021

Use case available

Sunlight Pump

Solar-powered water pump for smallholder farmers and communities

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

Jan 2021

HPGen

On-site hydrogen-peroxide generation solution for water and wastewater treatment

Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Jul 2023

Use case available

Hydraloop

IoT-connected consumer-friendly water recycling systems that reduce water consumption by 25-45 percent in buildings.

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Jul 2023

Mixergy PV Embedded Smart Cylinder

A smart hot water cylinder that maximises storage of locally generated solar PV for domestic dwellings

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Success Stories

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

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

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

WaterFlush by EcoNeves implemented by Hôpital Necker Paris in Paris (France) in 2018

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

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

OSMOSUN by OSMOSUN implemented by Sand to Green in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region (Morocco) in 2024

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

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

EF Polymer Private Limited by EF Polymer Private Limited implemented by Devi Singh Bhati in Jaisalmer (India) in 2025

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

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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