As you should already know, water is a finite resource, like oil. Although we live on a planet filled with water, only a very small percentage is safe and usable for human consumption. Now imagine the amount of safe water remaining the same, but the number of people who rely on that water increases exponentially every year. This causes water scarcity, a problem that will keep growing as the population does.
Water scarcity occurs when there is a lack of resources to sustain the water consumption or usage in a certain area. Water scarcity affects pockets in all corners of the world. Some areas lack proper infrastructure, causing a shortage of safe, clean drinking water. In other areas, there is simply a physical shortage of water, typically due to harsh geographical conditions or overuse of water.
Many believe we have already entered a water crisis. While there isn’t an immediate global water shortage, certain parts of the world already greatly struggle with access to potable water sources. There are plenty of factors leading to water scarcity, but one of the main underlying causes begins with rapid population growth.
Assessing Global Water Scarcity
About a third of the world’s population already deals with water stress, or limited access to clean water. And in a few years, it is believed that number will increase to two-thirds of the world population being placed under these conditions.
Unfortunately, that means there are currently over a billion people affected by water scarcity, water stress, or other unsafe water delivery conditions.
Currently, areas in southern and eastern Africa have the least access to clean water. Countries in Asia such as India, China, and Pakistan all deal with exponential population growth while experiencing record low amounts of groundwater. More places than ever are dealing with harsher weather conditions affecting the water supply and high urban water demand, resulting in more calls for regulations.
Assessing Overpopulation
As the population increases, the percentage of people without access to clean water will increase as well.
In many urban areas, water scarcity is already a reality. This leaves many cities sorely unequipped for continued rapid population growth in the future. Without the right resources or infrastructure in place, millions of people perish from polluted water every year, all of which could be preventable.
The areas already under the worst cases of water stress are also experiencing the highest levels of population growth. In many water-stressed areas, birth rates are nearly twice as high as the global average. These areas also tend to have limited family planning measures in place. Providing these regions with modern contraception and women’s health education programs can assist those who want to prevent pregnancy. This, of course, can help slow growth and thus, water demand.
Together, We Can Change Lives
With your support, we can address the pressing question of how population growth contributes to water scarcity by extending our reach and offering safe water solutions to communities worldwide.
How Does Population Growth Affect Water Scarcity?
Whatever the cause of water scarcity, it often ties back to higher demand from overpopulation. Here are a few correlating factors of overpopulation’s effect on water scarcity.
Climate Change
This is arguably the worst offender, as its impact causes a lot of uncertainty about the current water supply. Shifts in the climate have caused disruptive rain patterns, leading to both droughts and floods. In addition, the warming of the planet leads to many important water-providing glaciers melting at a faster rate than anticipated.
Water Waste
Some areas are fortunate enough to not experience any water shortages, but can still contribute to the water crisis by wasting potable water. Water is often overused in areas too dry to produce food. Also, seeking out solutions to stop drinking water from being used when unnecessary, such as when flushing toilets, can help eliminate waste.
Insufficient Infrastructure
Along with water waste, poorly constructed or aging pipes can leak billions of gallons of water. While clean water is ultimately the goal, some communities struggle with just getting any water to the population due to old water plants, treatments, or sewer systems. Some of this may be in part due to the price of water not meeting the cost of service. Because of this, some areas cannot afford to invest into the maintenance of water systems.
Food Production
Population growth doesn’t just mean more water consumption, but also more water needed for food production. In order to meet the food production demands from rapid population growth, we will need to pump groundwater faster than it can be replenished. This will add extra problems to areas in Asia that already have problems with over pumping due to low amounts of groundwater.
What Can Be Done to Aid the Water Scarcity Crisis?
Continuing to bring attention and pressure to the water crisis to create awareness is only a start. Everyone will need to focus on aiding economically limited areas to provide safe water for all. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to reduce water waste, provide education, and contribute to innovative water treatment solutions.
Healing Waters International believes in silver linings, and we are already providing solutions. We are committed to providing economically feasible solutions to as many people across the globe as possible. Our systems are unique for each community based on what needs addressing. Not only that, but Healing Waters staff will empower local trainers to teach proper hygiene techniques and tips to avoid contaminating water in the community.
Humans everywhere deserve to not only just survive, but to thrive in any way imaginable. Water is necessary for survival, but while some don’t even think about it, others currently worry about having enough safe water to go around. We want to continue the fight until 100% of people come into contact with safe water. We will need your help. Any contribution will make a powerful stand in our fight together to stop the water crisis. Please consider making a donation or learning more about how you can play a part in helping us continue to provide solutions.