Let's Talk - "Water Scarcity"

 Water Scarcity  

 Water which is very essential for everyone's existence. It covers 70% of our planet, and it is easy to think that it will always be plentiful. However, freshwater—the stuff we drink, bathe in, irrigate our farm fields with—is incredibly rare. Only 3% of the world’s water is fresh water, and two-thirds of that is tucked away in frozen glaciers or otherwise unavailable for our use.

As a result, some 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and a total of 2.7 billion find water scarce for at least one month of the year. Inadequate sanitation is also a problem for 2.4 billion people—they are exposed to diseases, such as cholera and typhoid fever, and other water-borne illnesses. Two million people, mostly children, die each year from diarrheal diseases alone.

Many of the water systems that keep ecosystems thriving and feed a growing human population have become stressed. Rivers, lakes and aquifers are drying up or becoming too polluted to use. More than half the world’s wetlands have disappeared. Agriculture consumes more water than any other source and wastes much of that through inefficiencies. Climate change is altering patterns of weather and water around the world, causing shortages and droughts in some areas and floods in others.

At the current consumption rate, this situation will only get worse. By 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages. And ecosystems around the world will suffer even more.

 

Causes 

The human population has successfully harnessed many of the world’s natural waterways—building dams, water wells, vast irrigation systems and other structures that have allowed civilizations to grow and thrive. But water systems are increasingly stressed, and some rivers, lakes and aquifers are drying up.

 

Pollution

Water pollution comes from many sources including pesticides and fertilizers that wash away from farms, untreated human wastewater, and industrial waste. Even groundwater is not safe from pollution, as many pollutants can leach into underground aquifers. Some effects are immediate, as when harmful bacteria from human waste contaminate water and make it unfit to drink or swim in. In other instances—such as toxic substances from industrial processes—it may take years to build up in the environment and food chain before their effects are fully recognized.

Agriculture

Agriculture uses 70% of the world’s accessible freshwater, but some 60% of this is wasted due to leaky irrigation systems, inefficient application methods as well as the cultivation of crops that are too thirsty for the environment in which they are grown. This wasteful use of water is drying out rivers, lakes and underground aquifers. Many countries that produce large amounts of food—including India, China, Australia, Spain and the United States—have reached or are close to reaching their water resource limits. Added to these thirsty crops are the fact that agriculture also generates considerable freshwater pollution – both through fertilizers as well as pesticides – all of which affect both humans and other species.

Population Growth

In the last 50 years, the human population has more than doubled. This rapid growth— with its accompanying economic development and industrialization—has transformed water ecosystems around the world and resulted in a massive loss of biodiversity. Today, 41% of the world’s population lives in river basins that are under water stress. Concern about water availability grows as freshwater use continues at unsustainable levels. Furthermore, these new faces also need food, shelter, and clothing, thus resulting in additional pressure on freshwater through the production of commodities and energy.

 

 

What are its impacts on public health and development?

Prolonged water stress can have devastating effects on public health and economic development. More than two billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water; and nearly double that number—more than half the world’s population—are without adequate sanitation services. These deprivations can spur the transmission of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, polio, hepatitis A, and diarrhea.

At the same time, because water scarcity makes agriculture much more difficult, it threatens a community’s access to food. Food-insecure communities can face both acute and chronic hunger, where children are more at risk of conditions stemming from malnutrition, such as stunting and wasting, and chronic illnesses due to poor diet, such as diabetes.Even if a water-stressed community has stable access to potable water, people can travel great lengths or wait in long lines to get it—time that could otherwise be spent at work or at school. 

 

How to change Situation ?

1. Increase awareness and education about water scarcity. It’s critical to generate awareness about the crisis and motivate people, businesses, and government agencies to take action. This includes educating people about the scope and impact of water scarcity, how to conserve water, and how to support water organizations helping people get access to clean water. 
2. Invest in innovative technologies. There are promising new technologies like wastewater recycling, energy-efficient desalination plants, solar and UV water filtration, nano filtration, and rainwater harvesting systems that can help address water scarcity. 
3. Make agricultural irrigation more efficient. Almost 70 percent of our fresh water is used in agriculture. Enhanced soil moisture sensors, monitoring, weather stations, and communications systems can provide more accurate data to ensure water is not wasted. Growing less water-intensive crops should also be explored. 
4. Improve water infrastructure. In the US, 2.1 trillion gallons of clean water are lost each year because of failing infrastructure. This not only wastes water, it wastes money. Innovative water distribution management technologies like leak detection and analytics solutions can increase a utility’s efficiency, reduce labor costs and minimize leaks. 
5. Reduce water pollution. Stopping industry and individuals from dumping toxic substances into our water supplies and being able to accurately monitor water quality are critical steps to improving access to clean water. Consumers should dispose of toxic substances safely rather than pour them down the drain. 
6. Encourage water conservation. Some everyday tips we can all do include:

• Fill sink with water when washing dishes instead of letting the water run.
• Use a bucket to catch the water while waiting for the shower to warm up.
• Don’t let the water run when brushing teeth.
• Install water-saving fixtures and appliances.
• Flush toilets only when necessary.
• Eliminate leaks in bathtubs, faucets, and toilets.
• Replace a high-flow shower-head with low-flow ones.

 

 NGO's Working on Water Scarcity

Apna Talab Abhiyan, Bundelkhand,U.P 

BUNDELKHAND JAL SAHELI MANCH

The Water Cup - Motivating Villagers to Conserve and Harvest Water through a Contest by The Paani Foundation 

Best Practices of Ground Water Harvesting in Different Parts of India