Clean water for agriculture, industry and private households, always and everywhere available: In Central Europe, we take this for granted. However, many regions around the world are a long way from achieving this. And even where substantial improvements have already been realised, there are still challenges to overcome.
About half of the world's population is affected by serious water shortages, at least seasonally. An inadequate supply situation, for example due to poor infrastructure or over-exploitation of water by neighbouring countries, creates conflict situations. Conflicts in turn intensify the water shortage. The United Nations World Water Development Report 2024 identifies the current challenges in the global water supply, highlights interrelationships and identifies possible solutions. We have summarised the key aspects for you:
Where there is no functioning water supply, the population suffers
Access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is one of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals. However, millions of people are denied access to clean drinking water on demand from the tap.
Another aspect exacerbates the situation: 10 percent of the increase in global migration is related to water shortages. If many people leave their homes because they do not have the basic necessities of life there, this can lead to displacement effects. Where the displaced people are taken in, the stress on local water systems and resources increases. This in turn leads to tensions between migrant and host communities.
As the World Water Development Report 2024 emphasises, policymakers are called upon to promote cross-border cooperation on water resources and their prudent management. In this way, peace has already been established and secured in many transboundary water catchment areas. However, where local, regional or transnational conflicts smoulder, the consequences are serious. Studies of the United Nations in eight sub-Saharan countries show: The collapse of water infrastructure due to conflict lengthens the journey of women and girls who prioritise obtaining water by more than double on average. At the same time, it also increases the time during this period in which there is a risk of violent attacks - and which cannot be used for work or education. The example shows: The issue of water affects far more areas of life than it might seem at first glance.
Global water consumption is increasing
Global extraction from the natural water cycle is increasing continuously - by around 1 percent per year. This is striking: Agriculture accounts for around 70 percent of consumption. However, industry and private households are mainly responsible for this increase, accounting for 20 and 10 percent of total demand respectively.
The main driver behind this development is the industrialisation of national economies, which is leading to changes in living habits as well as urbanisation and the expansion of water supply and wastewater systems. In many regions of the world, this is bringing tangible progress in terms of security of supply and hygiene - but at the same time is also favouring a further shortage of water as a resource. This makes it all the more important to use it responsibly and carefully.
Well thought-out holistic concepts are required
Wherever water management systems spread around the globe, the dependence of national economies on these systems also increases. After all, if the quality or availability of water cannot be guaranteed at all times, this has a serious economic impact on manufacturing companies. This turbulence then quickly spreads through supply chains. The World Water Development Report 2024 points out that ‘dry shocks’ cause two to four times as much loss of income as ‘wet shocks’. In some countries, companies that are confronted with frequent water supply failures even try to improve their supply situation with bribes. Water shortages thus become a breeding ground for corruption.
A half-heartedly implemented development and expansion of the water supply infrastructure therefore creates more problems than it solves - also in view of the aforementioned global increase in water consumption.
In the long term, there is no way around well thought-out, holistic concepts. They do not only provide solutions for reliably storing and recycling water. A central role is also played by the questions of how harmful discharges can be reduced and the demand for fresh water lowered. When all these factors are taken into account, safe, accessible and well-functioning water supply and wastewater systems are created. These systems form the basis for long-term economic progress, prosperity and quality of life. The commercial sector has a special responsibility here. Despite some local conflicts, as an important part of the water supply, it has the potential to positively influence water utilisation in many places.
A reliable water infrastructure means prosperity and security
The United Nations World Water Development Report 2024 shows that a reliable and efficient water supply is one of the key factors for political and social stability, the healthy development of every individual and economic growth. Especially in view of the decreasing availability and increasing consumption of water due to climate change, it is essential to use this valuable resource responsibly.
RELINE supports you in equipping your water infrastructure sustainably for the challenges of the future. Just get in touch with us!
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