Water scarcity is no longer a distant challenge reserved for future generations; it’s a pressing issue that is already affecting billions of people globally. The United Nations defines water scarcity as a situation where demand for water surpasses the available supply during a certain period or when its quality limits its usability. The significance of water scarcity today cannot be overstated. It threatens ecosystems, fuels economic instability, and exacerbates social inequalities across nations. Yet, understanding what drives water scarcity is the first step toward reversing this trend and ensuring water security for future generations.

The global water crisis: a snapshot

According to the latest UN World Water Development Report (2023), over 2 billion people worldwide currently lack access to safe drinking water, while 3.6 billion are without access to safely managed sanitation systems. These alarming statistics bring into focus the reality that water is not just a regional issue; it is a global crisis affecting populations across every continent. The situation is expected to worsen, with projections indicating that urban populations, which are set to double by 2050, will experience water scarcity more intensely. The burden is not evenly distributed. For instance, Africa and Asia are disproportionately impacted, while regions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are also expected to face acute water shortages in the coming decades.

In many parts of the world, water scarcity is tied closely to poor infrastructure, inefficient management, climate change, industry and population growth. For example, in sub-Saharan Africa, the lack of infrastructure prevents people from accessing clean water sources even if they live near rivers or lakes. On the other hand, rising temperatures due to climate change are drying out water bodies and reducing freshwater availability in areas such as Central Asia and the Mediterranean. Additionally, water over-extraction, pollution, and poor water governance continue to put pressure on finite freshwater resources, leading to a vicious cycle of depletion and contamination.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, solutions to water scarcity exist, and they are as diverse as the problem itself. From advancements in desalination technologies to breakthroughs in water reuse and international policy frameworks, the global community is increasingly looking to innovative solutions to address this crisis.

A key aspect of these solutions is the integration of renewable energy, which is helping to power desalination plants and water reuse systems more sustainably, reducing the carbon footprint of these technologies while ensuring a more resilient approach to water management.

Turning oceans into freshwater

Desalination, the process of removing salts and impurities from seawater, has emerged as a vital solution for regions struggling with freshwater scarcity. While it may not be a panacea, desalination is gaining traction, especially in coastal areas, as a reliable method of providing clean drinking water.

A notable example is the recent study conducted in Zhoushan, China, which evaluated two seawater desalination plants. Published in July 2023, this study found that desalinated water had lower genotoxicity compared to conventionally sourced freshwater. This is a significant breakthrough, as it suggests that modern desalination technologies are not only providing an abundant source of clean water but also ensuring that this water is safer for human consumption than some traditional sources. The implications of this research are profound. In a world where freshwater resources are becoming scarcer, desalination could bridge the gap for millions of people living in coastal regions.

Desalination is expected to play an even more significant role in the coming years, with innovations such as energy-efficient reverse osmosis and wind or solar-powered desalination making the process more sustainable and affordable.

Maximizing every drop

While desalination is an important part of the drinking water solutions, it is not the only one. Water reuse—reclaiming wastewater and treating it for reuse—offers a highly efficient means of reducing a water footprint and protecting water basins. This method is particularly valuable in industrial and agricultural settings, where large quantities of water are consumed.

One standout example of successful water reuse comes from Espírito Santo, Brazil. In July 2023, GS Inima, in collaboration with the local government, initiated the construction of a state-of-the-art Water Reuse Station. Once completed, the station will have the capacity to transform 300 liters of wastewater per second into reuse water for industrial purposes. This project is not only designed to meet the industrial water demands of Vitória and neighboring regions but will also bring a host of environmental and social benefits. By reducing the consumption of drinking water for industrial activities, it helps to preserve the region’s freshwater resources, mitigate water pollution, and foster economic development through job creation.

This initiative represents a broader global trend toward increasing water reuse in both public and private sectors. As industries continue to expand, particularly in water-stressed regions, integrating water reuse technologies will be critical for sustainable growth. Beyond industrial applications, advanced water reuse technologies are also being developed for agricultural irrigation and even indirect potable reuse, further expanding the potential of this resource-efficient solution.

International cooperation and policy frameworks

As water scarcity becomes a global concern, international cooperation and robust policy frameworks are essential to scaling solutions and ensuring their sustainability. One such initiative is the WATER-MINING project, a comprehensive approach that integrates desalination, wastewater treatment, and resource recovery technologies to tackle water scarcity challenges.

WATER-MINING is distinctive in its focus on creating synergies between desalination and wastewater treatment technologies. By involving local stakeholders in decision-making processes, the project ensures that the solutions it offers are tailored to the specific needs and contexts of each region. This type of international cooperation is essential because water scarcity is not confined by borders; it is a shared challenge that demands collective action.

Such projects also emphasize the importance of long-term sustainability. By aligning technological innovations with environmental considerations and economic needs, these frameworks aim to provide resilient, adaptable solutions to water scarcity, particularly in regions that are most vulnerable.

IDRA’s Role in addressing water scarcity

At the forefront of the global response to water scarcity is IDRA, a community of  industry and public sector leaders in desalination and water reuse. IDRA members play a crucial role in driving the adoption of sustainable water solutions around the world. From developing cutting-edge desalination techniques to enhancing wastewater treatment systems, IDRA members are committed to ensuring that communities have access to clean and safe water.

In addition to advancing technology, IDRA emphasizes the importance of policy, research, and stakeholder engagement in ensuring water sustainability. By fostering collaborations between governments, industries, and local communities, IDRA is helping to create a more secure and resilient global water future.

The global water scarcity crisis is real, and its impacts are far-reaching. Yet, through innovations in desalination, water reuse, and international cooperation, we are seeing glimpses of a future where water scarcity can be effectively managed. As we continue to face the complex challenge of water scarcity, the global community must remain committed to sustainable practices, technological innovation, and cross-border cooperation to ensure that water remains accessible for all.

Reference:

https://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/scarcity.shtml

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/imminent-risk-global-water-crisis-warns-un-world-water-development-report-2023

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-25026-3

https://carnegieendowment.org/2024/04/19/looming-climate-and-water-crisis-in-middle-east-and-north-africa-pub-92257 https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2013/06/19/what-climate-change-means-africa-asia-coastal-poor 

https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/water-stress-sub-saharan-africa

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/13/2470

https://idadesal.org/gs-inima-and-the-government-of-the-state-of-espirito-santo-sign-a-service-contract-for-the-construction-of-a-water-reuse-station/ https://watereurope.eu/new-online-water-mining-marketplace-launches-to-drive-innovation-in-wastewater-management/