Watertekort

Watertekort, or water shortage, is a situation in which the available freshwater resources are insufficient to meet the needs of people, agriculture, industry, and ecosystems over a given period. It can arise from drought, climate variability, persistent overuse of water sources, pollution, and gaps in infrastructure and governance.

Causes include climate change leading to altered rainfall patterns and more intense droughts, sustained over-extraction of groundwater, inefficient irrigation and industrial use, pollution reducing usable water, population growth and urbanization, and difficulties in transboundary water management.

Impacts of water shortage can be wide-ranging. Agricultural yields and food security may decline, prices for water and food can rise, energy systems may be stressed due to pumping and treatment needs, public health and sanitation can deteriorate, livelihoods may be affected, and ecosystems can suffer from reduced flows and degraded habitats.

Measurement and indicators used to assess water shortage include rainfall deficits, river discharge, reservoir storage, groundwater levels, and per capita renewable freshwater. Commonly referenced thresholds distinguish water stress (around 1700 cubic meters per person per year) from water scarcity (below 1000 cubic meters per person per year), though methods vary by region.

Regional patterns show higher risk in arid and semi-arid areas, such as parts of the Middle East and North Africa, southern Europe, parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, and rapidly growing urban areas in Asia. However, supply disruptions can affect many regions due to climate extremes and infrastructure gaps.

Responses focus on demand management, improving water-use efficiency (notably in agriculture), expanding wastewater reuse and desalination where appropriate, reforming pricing and allocation, protecting groundwater, and strengthening transboundary cooperation and drought planning.