What Is a Water Scarcity Definition?
A water scarcity definition is a shortage of freshwater to adequately fulfill the needs of the people. Water scarcity is also called water stress or water crisis. It is possible that half of the world’s population will be living without adequate water supply by 2025. In fact, this essential issue already impacts every continent.
Water stress can be seasonal for many around the world. For example, water becomes difficult to find during droughts or certain seasons. For others, water scarcity is a continual struggle. Clean water is simply unavailable to them, and they resort to drinking contaminated water.
Water scarcity can be the result of natural causes or human causes. In fact, as a growing population uses more water, we are seeing a depletion of freshwater resources and adequate infrastructure. This is not sustainable. As the population grows, we need to advance our efforts and try to catch up.
People need clean water to survive. When people resort to drinking unsafe or contaminated water, they risk disease or even death.
“Without clean water, youngsters worldwide are susceptible to many waterborne diseases, which prevent them from attending school and can thereby keep them trapped in a persistent cycle of poverty.”
K.P. Yohannan, GFA World founder
This issue impacts families and entire communities. Lack of access to clean water can keep someone in poverty for generations. The burden for finding and transporting clean water often falls on girls and women. This often keeps females from excelling in education or employment opportunities.
You can help! As you learn about water scarcity and the various definitions, don’t stop there. Consider how you can help this crisis. Waterborne diseases causing stress, sickness and even death can be addressed and resolved with proper solutions, like BioSand water filters and fresh-water wells. Join GFA World in our mission to provide clean drinking water in Asia and Africa.
