Definition
Water scarcity
Water scarcity refers to the limited availability of water to meet the needs of human societies.
- Water scarcity occurs when the demand for freshwater exceeds its availability within a region over a specific period.
- It affects both developed and developing nations, but the causes and severity differ.
- Globally, over 1.2 billion people live in areas of chronic water scarcity, and 450 million in low-income countries suffer severe shortages.
- Water scarcity can be seasonal (linked to dry seasons or droughts) or permanent (due to climate or geographic limitations).
- The problem is expected to worsen with climate change, population growth, and industrial expansion.
Physical scarcity often leads to conflicts over shared water resources, such as rivers that cross national boundaries.
Types of Water Scarcity
1. Physical Water Scarcity
- Occurs when natural water resources are insufficient to meet demand.
- Common in arid or semi-arid regions with low rainfall, high evaporation, and limited groundwater.
- Often worsened by over-extraction, deforestation, and pollution that depletes usable sources.
- Physical scarcity typically arises where water consumption exceeds 60% of available renewable supply.
- The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces extreme physical scarcity.
- Some countries like Jordan and Saudi Arabia have less than 100 cubic meters of freshwater per person per year.
Physical Water Scarcity - Jordan
- Jordan is among the most water-scarce countries in the world, with less than 100 m³ of water per person annually.
- It has a hot, arid climate and relies on limited sources such as the Jordan and Yarmouk Rivers and underground aquifers.
- Groundwater is being depleted faster than it can recharge, and shared river systems reduce national availability.
- Water is distributed weekly to households; families store water in rooftop tanks.
- Jordan is exploring wastewater recycling and imports to meet growing demand.
- Desalination projects from the Red Sea have been proposed but face high costs and energy constraints.
2. Economic Water Scarcity
- Occurs when water exists, but people lack access due to poor infrastructure, political instability, or financial constraints.
- Typical in low-income countries where investment in water pipelines, reservoirs, and sanitation systems is limited.
- This type of scarcity reflects inequality rather than absolute shortage.
Haiti has abundant rainfall but over 70% of its population lacks direct access to safe water due to poor governance and infrastructure.
