Water scarcity – the most affected regions and countries

The distribution of the demand for drinking water is developing unfavorably. Population growth is greatest in areas where water is already scarce.

Trends in water scarcity on the world map

Freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources, 2020

Water scarcity, 2030

Water scarcity, 2040

Gurdian graphic. Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Which are the most water stressed countries?

Water stress, the ratio of water demand to renewable supply, measures the competition over local water resources. The smaller the gap between supply and demand, the more vulnerable a place is to water shortages. A country facing “extreme water stress” means it is using at least 80% of its available supply, “high water stress” means it is withdrawing 40% of its supply.

Without intervention — such as investment in water infrastructure and better water governance — water stress will continue to get worse, particularly in places with rapidly growing populations and economies.

What is the common answer to the scarcity?

Water Desalination is essentially the only critical way to balance supply and demand.
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