Water Scarcity

Water scarcity can have dire consequences for the people, economy and the environment. Without adequate water, crops and livestock dwindle and people go hungry.  Industry, construction, and economical development all come to a stand still, and can lead to more poverty. The risk of regional conflicts over scarce water resources can arise.  People die from disease and thirst, or even wars over scarce resources. 


As water supplies dwindle, conflicts can arise between individuals, states and nations that have and abundance of clean water and those that do not. There are examples of non-violent water conflicts in the United States. For example, western states use the Colorado River Compact to manage the Colorado River's water resources. In the southeastern United States, there are also regional conflicts over water. Alabama, Georgia and Florida are unsure how to handle conflicts between their states' growing populations and the availability of surface and groundwater resources.

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Some of today's greatest tensions are happening in places where water is scarce. Water disputes may add to tensions between countries where differing national interests and withdrawal rights have been in conflict. By 2025, it is estimated that water resources will not be able to keep up with the growing population rate in many countries; these countries will not have sufficient water resources to maintain their current level of agricultural output or maintain domestic, industrial and environmental needs. 


By 2025 it is projected that many nations will face water scarcity. Image courtesy of USOE OER Resource Guide for Earth Systems. 


Water disputes are happening along 260 different river systems that cross national boundaries. Some of these disputes are potentially very serious. National and international water laws help interpret water rights among states and countries.  New ways to grow more food with less water and water conservation programs are essential to provide enough clean water for the world's growing population.

Listen to the following short podcast:

Listen to the following short podcast:



Sources: USOE OER Resource Guide for Earth Systems and EarthSky Podcasts.