The Water Shortage Problem and Solutions

Some organizations are developing innovative methods and technology to utilize the earth’s untapped resources.

For example, Israel-based Watergen has developed technology to extract water from the air.³ Others are looking to the oceans, which cover two-thirds of the earth’s surface, for solutions to water shortages.⁴ This water, however, must first be desalinized to be safe for human consumption. The process of desalination can be expensive, energy-intensive and potentially harmful to the environment.⁵ Another solution is to recycle sewage water by first treating and purifying it and then reusing it for various purposes.⁶

In some areas, the issue of water shortages lies in insufficient infrastructure.

Sometimes, the infrastructure is present but has become corroded, which can pollute the water supply. In such cases, sustainable water management—with improved water infrastructure, water conservation, efficiency, pollution control and sewage treatment—offers a solution.⁷

Since agriculture accounts for roughly 70 percent of freshwater usage, another solution to water shortages is to improve agricultural efficiency.⁸

For example, irrigation techniques, such as precision watering, and using seeds that require less water would help in conserving water.⁹

There are also solutions on the individual level.

For example, Waterlogic lists several ways individuals can better steward water, including taking shorter showers, installing low-flow toilets, repairing leaks, collecting rainwater and reusing graywater.¹⁰