Vattenavailability

Vattenavailability, or water availability, refers to the amount of freshwater resources that are physically and legally accessible for use within a defined area and period. It includes renewable sources such as precipitation, river flow, lakes, and groundwater, and depends on storage, infrastructure, and institutions that enable extraction, distribution, and governance. Availability varies seasonally and geographically and is influenced by climate, land use, pollution, and water rights regimes.

Water availability is commonly measured with indicators such as renewable freshwater resources per capita, total water withdrawal as a share of renewable resources, and water stress indices. Distinguishing blue water (surface and groundwater) from green water (soil moisture used by crops) helps reflect different sectors and uses. Data sources include FAO AQUASTAT, the World Bank, UN-Water, and national hydrological agencies, with models and satellite data supporting regional estimates and projections.

Several drivers shape water availability. Climate change alters precipitation patterns and increases the frequency of droughts and floods, while population growth and urbanization raise demand for drinking, sanitation, and industry. Agricultural irrigation remains a major consumer of freshwater, and pollution or over-extraction can reduce usable water. Transboundary basins add governance complexity, requiring cooperative management and fair allocation.

Management approaches aim to maintain or increase effective availability while safeguarding ecosystems. Key strategies include integrated water resources management, demand management and water-use efficiency, pricing and governance reforms, infrastructure rehabilitation, storage and groundwater management, and drought risk planning. Robust data collection and transparent decision-making are essential for balancing human needs with ecological sustainability.