Water is a vital resource not only for our homes but for economic progress – industrial production, agriculture, and to balance our ecosystem.  But with the growing population, global warming, and increasing demand for energy amidst rapid industrial progress, water is starting to disappear in many natural reservoirs.  Lakes, rivers, and natural sources in some areas have run dry making water for consumption scarce if not gone. 

In 2000, approximately 2.4 billion people or 40% of the world population were living in high water stress areas. And as freshwater supply continue to diminish, the risk to people’s health becomes greater causing water-borne diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and polio. 

Albeit water composes 75% of the world’s surface and is not likely to run out; only 3% of the earth’s water is fresh; and with the demand for water seen to increase by 400% by 2050, severe freshwater shortage may affect the entire planet by 2040.  And this early, we can already consider stress in water rising.  Water continues to shrink due to the following key factors:

Increased Food Requirement as a Result of Growing Population

About 70% of the world’s freshwater is consumed for agriculture and food.  Demand for food is seen to further increase as the global middle class population increases because as people move from low income to middle class, demand for products which have higher water requirements also increases. 

Increased Energy Requirements by a Growing Population

Energy production is the second largest consumer of water resource globally next to agriculture.  Fresh water is utilized in thermoelectric power plants.  As global population increases, demand for energy increases; thus, increased utilization of freshwater in energy generation. 

Increased Frequency of Droughts and Forest Fires

Increased incidents of droughts greatly diminished the supply of freshwater.  Forest fires also result to reduced water reservoirs.  The historic drought in California has depleted the Sacramento and San Juoaquin river basins by an estimated 11 trillion gallons below the normal seasonal levels. And we can see more these mega droughts in the 21^st century which can span multiple decades.

Groundwater is Being Pumped at Unsustainable Rates

All over the world, water is being pumped out much faster than it is being replenished naturally as a result of increased demand due to increased population. 

In conclusion, earth’s water may not really disappear because it is being recycled.  As water evaporates from the oceans, it comes back in the form of rain. However, demand for freshwater will continue to increase as population increases, and economies progress.  And while the earth may never really run out of water, freshwater which is needed for human consumption, agriculture, and manufacturing may continue to dwindle if we don’t value water and change our lifestyle. 

So let’s all make an effort to stop wasting the world’s water!

Small efforts make a big difference.  As simple as not buying water in plastic bottles can save tons of water because producing one bottle of water actually consumes more water.  Ditch the plastic and shift to bringing your own refillable water bottle.  And if you are unsure of the quality of water in your tap, you can always test it.  Get an easy-to-use water test kit like SJ Wave 16-in-1 Water Test Kit. While water that flows from your tap is generally safe for drinking, it may still contain contaminants that can be harmful to your health.  By installing a home water filtration system, you can have that peace of mind knowing that the water you drink is clean and safe. Plant trees and shift to green energy and reduce global warming.  Save water so water can save the future generation.