There are majorly two types of water scarcity: physical and economical.

Arid areas majorly face

physical water scarcity while urban areas majorly face economical water scarcity.
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-of-water-scarcity.php

Solutions to water scarcity (majorly for places with arid climates and LEDCs)

➔ Rain catchment tanks : simple, cost-effective. Involves connecting downspouts to water

tanks.
➔ Protecting spring water : simple construction, basic maintenance, low cost overall.
However spring water is not available in all places. Involves fencing off area and digging
ditches to collect run-off water.
➔ Sand dams: simple, cheap. A mature sand dam can store millions of liters of water,
providing year round supply.
➔ Recovering old wells or building new ones: The most effective way to get clean water in
dry places. However, it requires difficult maintenance to prevent contamination, making it
unsuitable for places such as africa.
➔ Using drought resistant crops: proved to use water more efficiently than conventional
crops. However, only limited farmers are aware of these crops; the seeds need to be
bought anew every year, unlike conventional crop seeds, making it expensive for
farmers; selling of fake seeds is a widespread issue. Unsuitable option, as several
factors are involved.
https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/sep/02/drought-resistant-crops-
gm-africa-monsanto-syngenta-dupont
➔ Education of hygiene and sanitation: not specific, but application of this to all solutions is
useful. https://thewaterproject.org/how-we-work

Solutions to water scarcity (majorly for urban areas and MEDCs)

➔ Desalination plants: very expensive, energy-intensive and harms marine life. Significant
environmental impact created by the disposal of highly saline water waste.
➔ Constructing reservoir: stores ample water, but floods the area, forcing wildlife to leave
as well as clearing settlements.
➔ Green infrastructure - use of natural capacities of soil and vegetation can be used to
absorb and treat (waste) water. Natural systems are found to be more cost-effective and
require low building, labour and maintenance costs.
https://www.teriin.org/article/indias-rampant-urban-water-issues-and-challenges#:~:text=
Use%20of%20natural%20capacities%20of,building%2C%20labour%20and%20mainten
ance%20costs.
➔ Rain water harvesting (rain catchment tanks)
➔ Aqueducts - can move water from where it is plentiful to where it is needed. Can be
controversial and politically difficult especially if the water transfer distances are large.
Can cause drought in the area water is being drawn from.
➔ Water reuse: An effective way to conserve water. This approach limits saltwater intrusion
of aquifers near the coast and reduces dependence on precipitation and subsequent
infiltration to recharge aquifers. Can be done in individual households or whole cities.
However, it requires constructing an integrated system throughout the city which is
complicated. STPs are expensive, need a large area, produce bacteria and foul smells
➔ Reducing use of pesticides and fertilisers: pollutes groundwater; however, may not be a
viable option considering food shortages as well.
➔ Simply conserving water - using water consciously. Not a solution, but complements
other solutions.