Issues Contributing to Water Scarcity

Issues Contributing to pee scarcenessINTRODUCTIONAround 1.2 billion people (almost one-fifth of the worlds population) currently live in areas of animal(prenominal) peeing scarcity, and 500 million people are approaching this situation (UN-WATER 2014). Although nearly 70 portion of the world is covered by piddle supply system, only somewhat 2.5 share is fresh with the rest being saline solution and ocean-based. However, only 1 percent of our fresh piss is easily accessible, with much of it trapped in glaciers and snowfields. Actually, only 0.007 percent of the planets body of water supply is available to fuel and feed its 6.8 billion people (National geographic 2014). Clean water is the water that is unassailablety device enough to be consumed by humans with low risk of speedy or tenacious term harm (Wikipedia 2014).water system scarcity is the defined as the lack of access to adequate quantities of water for human and purlieual uses However, the Water Project (2014 ) states that water scarcity sens be explained in both ways, it is either the paucity of ample water (quantity) or it is the inability to be able to access safe water ( eccentric). In developing countries, finding an in fire upible headspring of safe water is often softened and dear. This is known as economic scarcity (a state where although water can be found, it just requires more(prenominal) infrastructure to access it). However, other areas experience physical scarcity, a situation where the water available is not sufficient. (The water project 2014).This essay will aim to describe the issues that may have contributed to water scarcity.FACTORS change TO WATER SCARCITYThe issue of water scarcity is quite a thriving one, whilst the worlds population tripled in the 20th century, the amount of fresh water on earth has remained fairly constant. This kernel that yearly, the competition for a safe and copious supply of water intensifies. Web of Creation (2003) states that the ma in cause of the shortage of fresh water is global warming. Increase in the average temperature of mountainous areas can result in an altered downfall mix amidst rainfall and snowfall, with more rain and less snow. This would lead to more flooding and overflow during the rainy seasons, this also results in a reduced amount of water that is usually held in glaciers for use during ironical seasons. These mountain glaciers are all liquefying. The snow mass in the Himalayas, (the third largest in the world) is now stem to wince at an increasing rate rate. Every major river in Asia originates in that snow mass. worldwide issues (2010) points out that another reason for water crisis is the commoditization of water. Promoting water as a commodity has led to an change magnitude control of water by multinational corporations (MNC). The World Bank has encouraged countries around the world to denationalise water access in the hope for increased efficiency as well as look out other policie s such as removal of subsidies for such provisions. As a result, although there may be many people in terms of market access, the poor have found themselves being shut out as prices have risen beyond affordability.Tread softly (2013) explains that the over extraction of freshwater and other human intrusion with the water cycle is the immediate cause of water scarcity. Over-extraction of cast anchor water has an upfront manifestation in the level of aquifers. If withdrawals (extraction) transcend the natural rate of recharge, the level of an aquifer will fall and ultimately drying up. In parts of India, the level of aquifers is said to have fallen more than 300 metres, this is associated to the dearth of control intensified by a policy of allowing farmers infinite access to water. Given how highly abrupt land ownership is in India, with majority of the populace being farmers, their waterloo is inevitable. Indias rate of extraction of ground water has been growing steadily from a b ase of 90 Billion cubic metres (bcm) in 1980 to about 251 Billion cubic metres (bcm) in 2010, whilst the rate in the United States has remained rather constant since 1980 (Luthra and Kundu 2013).In Africa in the southmost of the Sahara, where agriculture is predominantly rain-fed (that is, it relies on rainfall for water), farmers access to water is limited based on cadence (during droughts and dry seasons) and space (in arid areas). Water scarcity in these regions is not necessarily caused by a physical lack of water. Literally much of the region is primarily considered to suffer from economic water scarcity, which means that investments in water resources and appropriate human capacities are not substantial enough to meet water demands of the population (IFPRI 2013).Another cause of water scarcity could be the increasing rate of pollution of the water available. Majority of the biocides, fertilizers, sewage overflows, oil and grease eventually get into the water systems. The in creasing loss of marshlands can be attributed to the fact that these runoff nutrients are not always sanitised by nature in the beginning they ultimately enter the body of water. More than 60 percent of US coastal rivers and bays are earnestly being reduced by nutrient runoff (web of creation 2003).CONCLUSIONIncrease in population has led to an increased demand for quality water. Water scarcity is a global issue which requires immediate attention. To ensure sustainability, steps should be taken to ensure that water is used in such a manner as it does not reduce the potential for the future generation to have access to quality water. Sustainable practices such as water recycle, minimization, etc. should be implemented to reduce the need for freshwater extraction.REFERENCESGlobal Issues (2010) Water and Development. Online Available at http//www.globalissues.org/article/601/water-and-development Accessed 18-03-2014Global Water Forum (2012) Understanding water scarcity Definitions and measurements. Online Available at http//www.globalwaterforum.org/2012/05/07/understanding-water-scarcity-definitions-and-measurements/ Accessed 10-03-2014IFPRI (2013) Whats really causing water scarcity in Africa south of the Sahara? Online Available at http//www.ifpri.org/blog/what-s-really-causing-water-scarcity-africa-south-sahara Accessed 18-03-2014National Geographic (2014) Fresh Water Crisis. Online Available at http//environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/freshwater-crisis/close-modal Accessed 10-03-2014Luthra, S. and Kundu, A. (2013) Indias Water Crisis Causes and Cures. Online Available at http//www.nbr.org/research/activity.aspx?id=356.UyGN9hpdXTo Accessed 18-03-2014The water project (2014) Water Scarcity and the Importance of Water. Online Available at http//thewaterproject.org/water_scarcity.php Accessed 10-03-2014Tread Softly (2013) Causes of Water Scarcity. Online Available at http//treadsoftly.net/water-scarcity/causes-of-water-scarcity/ Accessed 1 8-03-2014UN-WATER (2014) International decennium for Action water for life 2005-2015. Online Available at http//www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/scarcity.shtml Accessed 18-03-2014Web of creation (2003) Problem Fresh Water and Oceans in Danger. Online Available at http//www.webofcreation.org/Earth%20Problems/water.htm Accessed 18-03-2014Wikipedia (2014) Drinking water. Online Available at http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drinking_water Accessed 09-03-2014