WATER CRISIS

WHAT IS WATER
Water is a colorless, odorless, and
tasteless chemical compound with the
chemical formula H2O.
Water is one of the most essential
substances for life on Earth and is
fundamental to the existence of all living
organisms.
DID YOU KNOW?
“THOUSANDS HAVE LIVED
WITHOUT LOVE…
NOT ONE HAS LIVED WITHOUT
WATER”
WATER AS A RESOURCE?
Freshwater on Earth is estimated to be
around 2.5% of the planet's total water
supply.
Approximately 68.7% is stored in glaciers
and ice caps, 30.1% in groundwater, and
only about 0.3% in surface water bodies
WATER USAGE?
Agriculture is the
largest user of
freshwater,
accounting for
around 70% of
global withdrawals.
What is Water Crisis?
Refers to a situation in which the
availability of clean, safe, and
sufficient water resources is limited
or inadequate to meet the needs of a
particular region, community, or
population.
What is Water Crisis?
Shortage of clean and safe water for
people to drink, use for daily
activities, and maintain their hygiene.
Or a condition where water quality is
poor, making it unsafe for
consumption or use
Water Crisis?
As of 2021, approximately 2.2 billion
people worldwide did not have access
to safely managed drinking water
services.
_(World Health Organization [WHO] and UNICEF)
Know That…
● Water crisis is a global issue
● Development can hinder water
quality, access and supply.
● Poverty is linked with Sanitation
and Water supply
THE GLOBAL WATER
SUPPLY ASSESSMENT
Asia & Pacific
● ⅓ of the population lacks access to
clean drinking water.
● Agriculture accounts for 90% of
freshwater consumption in South Asia
● Aquifer depletion in Asia has reduced
water availability per capita by over
half
AFRICA
● 25 out of the 54 countries will face water
stress / scarcity by 2025
● Already, over 300m people lack access to
clean water.
● 51% of Sub Saharan Africa lives without safe
water & 41% without adequate sanitation
● Agriculture accounts for 88% groundwater
removal (no protection so far)
EUROPE AND CENTRAL
● Eastern Europe & Central Asia lacks
ASIA
access to clean water
● Over half of European cities over-
exploit groundwater reserves
● Declining water quality in countries
with groundwater pollution.
LATIN AMERICA AND THE
● Groundwater contamination and
CARIBBEAN
Depletion from industrial,
agriculture and mining waste
● Poor sanitation on 2% of sewage is
treated in Latin American countries
● Economic Scarcity with conflict over
acess and Use.
NORTH AMERICA
Aquifer depletion is increasing due to
urbanization, industrialization and
Agriculture growth (Cotton in Texas)
Water Pollution from agricultural
runoff has contaminated some
surface waters
CAUSES OF WATER CRISIS
1. Water Scarcity: Less water
available to meet the needs of an
area's population. Can be caused by;
Drought, Overuse of water
resources, or Poor water
management.
2. Water Pollution:
contaminants, get into
water sources and
make it unsafe to
drink or use.
Using chemicals for fishing
Mining along and close to
water source
3. Lack of Access: In
some parts of the world,
people do not have easy
access to clean water
sources. They may need
to walk long distances to
collect water, which is
often unsafe to drink.
4. Climate Change:
Changes in
weather patterns
and global
warming; droughts
5. Population Growth:
As the global
population grows, the
demand for water
increases. This can put
pressure on existing
water supplies, leading
to shortages.
6. Poor Infrastructure:
Poor Pipelines and
treatment facilities,
can result in water not
reaching people when
and where it's needed.
IMPACTS OF WATER CRISIS
1. Health Impacts
Waterborne diseases; cholera, dysentery, and
typhoid - causing illness and death, particularly
among children and vulnerable populations.
Increase the risk of disease transmission, as
proper handwashing and sanitation facilities become
scarce.
Eg. Covid-19
2. Agricultural Impacts:
Reduced crop yields and
livestock productivity, affecting
food security and increasing
food prices.
Farmers may resort to over-
extracting groundwater -
leading to the depletion of
aquifers and long-term damage
to ecosystems.
3. Economic Impacts:
Industrial manufacturing and
energy production, can face
disruptions, increased costs,
and reduced competitiveness.
Tourism, which often depends
on water resources, can
suffer as well, impacting local
economies.
4. Environmental Impacts:
Reduced water availability can
harm aquatic ecosystems,
leading to the decline of
aquatic species and the
disruption of food chains.
Changes in water levels and
quality can lead to the
degradation of wetlands and
the loss of biodiversity.
5. Social Impacts:
Vulnerable populations may
have less access to water and
suffer disproportionately
from its effects.
Competition for limited
water resources - conflicts
and tensions between
communities and even
nations.
6. Migration and
Displacement:
In some cases, water
scarcity can drive people to
migrate from affected
areas in search of better
living conditions, potentially
leading to internal and
cross-border displacement.
HOW TO MANAGE GLOBAL
1. Water conservation
WATER SUPPLY
2. Sustainable Agriculture
3. Rainwater Harvesting and Greywater Recycling
(Waste water from sink, shower & laundry)
4. Sustainable Water Management practices
5. Investment in water infrastructure
6. Desalination and Water Reuse
7. International cooperation to ensure equitable
access to water resources
RECAP
● What is water crisis
● Global water supply
● Causes of water crisis
● Impacts of water crisis
EXERCISE
1. What is a water crisis, and why is it a concern for people
around the world?
2. Give 3 ways individuals and families conserve water in
their daily lives? Provide practical examples.
3. Why is it important to use water sustainably in
agriculture, and what are some ways farmers can do this?
4. What are the effects of water crisis on the environment
and wildlife in a region?
5. Explain the concept of "water scarcity" and provide a
real-life example of a region facing water scarcity.