Describing a situation or region experiencing a significant lack of available freshwater resources, resulting in insufficient water to meet standard needs. This inadequacy can be due to various factors, including low rainfall, over-extraction of groundwater, pollution of existing water sources, and inefficient water management. It often leads to competition for the limited resources and can severely impact agriculture, human health, sanitation, and economic development. Such scarcity can cause drought conditions, conflict over water rights, and challenges in maintaining ecological balance. The severity of water-scarce environments varies greatly depending on climate, geography, and socio-economic factors.
Water-scarce meaning with examples
- The prolonged drought had left the region severely water-scarce, forcing farmers to drastically reduce their irrigation efforts and leading to significant crop failures. The community implemented strict water rationing to conserve remaining supplies, but the effects of the scarcity were already being felt throughout the local economy and causing distress.
- Decades of unsustainable agricultural practices and climate change contributed to making this once-fertile area critically water-scarce. Many villages struggle to access safe drinking water, and the government is urgently seeking solutions like water-efficient farming techniques, building new wells and desalinization plants. The situation has also created social issues.
- Facing a predicted increase in population growth, the city has been identified as a water-scarce area. To deal with future demand, the city is focused on upgrading its distribution infrastructure and exploring alternative water sources like recycled water and rainwater harvesting programs to improve overall water management and increase water supply.
- In arid and semi-arid regions, the environment has always been water-scarce, making the sustainable management of water resources paramount. With increasing global challenges from climate change, communities are turning to solutions like desalination and promoting water conservation practices, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.