Even though there will always be lots of water resources and water in the whole world, the volume of usable freshwater that’s easily available is shrinking rapidly as a result of a couple of factors. This article lists some of the factors.
- A rising population’s increased food requirements
Around 70% of the world’s consumption of freshwater is for agriculture and the demand for food is on the rise. The world’s population is rising and becoming significantly richer, which will then significantly increase the global demand for food in the coming years. By the year 2030, the world’s middle class is projected to grow from 2 billion currently to 4.9 billion, and this will considerably increase the quantity of water needed to produce food. As people shift from low-income to middle-class, the demand for meat products, which feature higher water needs than crops, will increase.
- A growing population’s increased energy requirements
The second-largest consumer of water around the whole world after agriculture is the production of energy. In the year 2010, thermo electric power plants within the US took out as much freshwater as farms (38% of all freshwater withdrawals). The International Energy Agency estimates that at present rates, freshwater that is used in producing energy will double over the coming 25 years. At the present pace, there won’t be sufficient freshwater available to meet the world’s energy needs by the year 2040. Energy needs are the second-highest consumer of water resources in Australia too.
- Increased frequency of the occurrence of droughts
The changing climate of the world has been related to a rise in the incidences of droughts that could significantly decrease the supplies of freshwater within any region. The historic drought that occurred in California has depleted the San Joaquin and Sacramento basins by an estimated 11 trillion gallons below typical seasonal levels. According to NASA modelling, there is a very high probability of mega-droughts within the 21st century which spans over several decades.
- Pumping of groundwater at unstable rates
In many parts of the globe, individuals are pumping groundwater out a lot faster than it’s been naturally replenished. The Ogallala Aquifer happens to the largest source of underground water in the US, and for several decades, it’s been pumped at rates that are thousands of times greater than it’s being restored. A study of the Kansas State University projects that 69% of the Aquifer would have been drained within the next five decades at present rates.
- Inadequate water infrastructure
Leaking pipes lose huge water quantities on the way to residences in both developing and developed countries. It’s estimated that within the US alone, 2.1 trillion treated water gallons are lost annually to leaks. In Mexico City, aged pipes lose 1,000 liters of water every second. Furthermore, the lack of adequate water treatment is ending in widespread freshwater resources pollution. A Pacific Institute and UN report projects that 2 billion tons of animal, human, as well as industrial waste are dumped untreated into bodies of freshwater annually.
These are the five foremost reasons why the world’s water resources, especially freshwater, is running out. Consult experts to know what could be done to help the situation.
