Water Scarcity: One of the leading problems in the World

Water scarcity is one of the world's leading problems affecting more than 1.1 billion people globally.The provision to access of running water remains in a state of crisis for a huge number of people across the continent of Africa and other parts of the world. Around three hundred million people still face shortage of safe drinking water according to Alan M. MacDonald, principal hydro-geologist at the British Geologist Survey.  

Ethiopian children drawing their drinking water from a filthy stream.

Generally, humans can live up to 3 to 5 days without water. Due to water scarcity, many people die from dehydration and water borne diseases. People are forced to consume unsafe water resources which then cause the spread of waterborne diseases like malaria, typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery and diarrhea.

Water scarcity also affects food security of a country as there is a shortage of water which directly affects the agricultural output. Many countries in Africa suffer from shortage of food due to droughts and crop failure.

Clean, safe drinking water is becoming more and more scarce and valuable as the population and consumption rise. Water is the foundation of life and a basic human need required for survival. It is important for us as individuals to take this matter seriously and solve the problem of scarcity.

Abhishek Dsouza
 By SEVA Press