We take a look at the causes, effects and solutions of water
shortages worldwide. We also look closely at the problems facing
California.
70% of the earth’s surface is covered by water, yet only 3% is fit for human
consumption. The rest is salty or frozen.
According to a report released by WWF, about 1.1 billion people face water shortage
in the world. The report also indicates that 2.7 billion people experience the problem
of water shortage in at least one month every year. This implies that the water
shortage problem is a real one, which affects around 27% of the world’s population.
With worldwide population increasing at a rate of 1.13% or 80 million people every
year, nations need to take action to solve a problem which will only worsen.
Today, we are going to look at the causes, solutions and effects of water shortage.
We will also pay special attention to the problems faced closer to home, and more
specifically, California. We shall discuss the drought that is currently being
experienced there, the effects of this, and what is being done to solve the problem.
So what are the causes of water shortage?
1. Pollution
Pollution is a major cause of water shortage. Water is polluted when industrial
wastes are deposited into water bodies thus making it unfit for human consumption.
Oil spillage and fecal matter also makes the water contaminated. It cannot be used
for drinking. This makes it scarce.
2. Overuse of Water
When water is overused, shortage occurs. Some people use too much water
especially for irrigation purposes. It therefore becomes inadequate for other equally
important uses.
3. Water Wastage
Wastage of water is also a major cause of water shortage. Some people leave their
taps running even when they are not fetching water. All this is lost to the ground. The
resultant problem is lack of enough water.
4. Drought
When drought strikes an area, there is usually no rain for a long period of time. This
makes rivers to dry. Other water sources such as streams, ponds, e.t.c also dry up.
People therefore do not have enough water for domestic and industrial use.
5. Conflict
Conflict contributes to water shortages in areas. When people are fighting over
control of water sources like rivers, some will not have access to it.
6. Distance
In some areas especially arid regions, people stay far away from oasis and other
sources of water like boreholes. Traveling there takes a lot of time. It is also a burden
to carry water from such distant places to homes. This discourages them from going
to fetch water. The result is water shortage.
7. Restriction by Governments
Some governments especially those that govern by dictatorship may restrict citizens
from accessing certain water sources.
8. Destruction of Water Catchment Areas
Water catchment areas such as forests are continually being destroyed through
deforestation to pave way for human settlement. This problem has been brought
about by rapid population increase. As a result, there is not enough rain thus causing
water shortage.
What Are the Effects of Water Shortage?
A lack of water affects more than just physical health. Let’s see how drought can
affect us in other ways.
– Lack of adequate drinking water
Water is important to our health. When there is shortage, people lack enough clean
water to drink.
– Lack of education
When there is water shortage in an area, children often abandon school to help their
parents look for water. Some of them grow too weak to go to school.
– Hunger
Water shortage makes it difficult to grow crops especially in dry areas that depend on
irrigation. When crops are not planted, there won’t be enough food for people.
– Diseases and Parasites
Water is used for different domestic purposes including bathing. When there is
shortage, people may not bath. Their bodies will be dirty hence susceptible to
infection by diseases and attack by parasites.
– Sanitation Problems
Lack of enough water makes cleaning of dishes, clothes and other household items
difficult. They will remain dirty and unhygienic. This will have a negative effect on the
health of an individual.
What About the Solutions?
We’ve discussed the causes, and mentioned some of the effects. But more
importantly, how can we act to prevent water shortages? The solutions are simple,
but often affected by bureaucracy and vested interests of big business and
government.
– People should be educated on the benefits of conserving water.
– Laws should be enacted to prevent water pollution. Those found polluting water
should pay a fine or face imprisonment.
– People should be encouraged to recycle rain water.
– Farmers should be encouraged to adopt farming practices that use less water.
– Water catchment areas should be preserved.
– People should contribute funds to support clean water initiatives especially in areas
that face water shortage.
