Water Stress Solutions

The world is facing an unprecedented water crisis. Currently, between two and three billion people experience water shortages at least one month a year, a situation that will only worsen in the coming decades if drastic measures are not taken. Globally, 2 billion people (26% of the population) lack safe drinking water, and 3.6 billion (46%) do not have access to safely managed sanitation.

In some countries, the situation is even more critical. For example, 17 countries, home to a quarter of the world’s population, face “extreme” levels of water stress, withdrawing more than 80% of the water available for agricultural, domestic and industrial uses annually. Flagship cities such as Cape Town, Beijing and Chennai have reached the brink of “Day Zero,” the day when taps run dry.

Against this backdrop, it is vitally important to understand what water stress is, what its levels are and what solutions we can implement to mitigate its effects. In this article we will delve deeper into these aspects, providing a comprehensive view based on the experience and analysis of Agforest, a leading company in geospatial information technology.

What is water stress?

Water stress is a critical condition that occurs when the demand for water in a region exceeds the quantity available or when water quality is insufficient to meet human and ecological needs. In simpler terms, water stress refers to the pressure placed on water resources due to excessive use or scarcity of water.

Water stress levels

Water stress can be measured at various levels, from low to extremely high, depending on the amount of water available in relation to demand. According to various sources, a city is considered water stressed when it uses at least 40% of the available water. In some cases, this percentage can be even higher, especially in urban and industrialized areas.

Contributing factors

• Population growth: Population growth increases the demand for water for domestic consumption, agriculture and industry.
• Climate change: Global warming is altering precipitation patterns and increasing the frequency of droughts, exacerbating water scarcity.
• Industrialization: Industrial activities consume large quantities of water and often pollute available water sources.
• Intensive agriculture: Agriculture is one of the largest consumers of freshwater. Inefficient irrigation techniques and water-intensive crops contribute significantly to water stress.

Solutions for water stress

Mitigating water stress requires a multifaceted approach that includes innovative technologies, efficient policies, and changes in human behavior. Here are some key strategies:

Water reuse

Reuse of treated wastewater is an effective solution to mitigate water stress. Countries such as Israel and Singapore are at the forefront of this practice, using advanced technologies to treat and recycle wastewater, reducing dependence on freshwater sources and ensuring a steady supply for agriculture and industry.

Desalination technologies

Seawater desalination is another important strategy, especially in coastal regions. This technology converts salt water into potable water, thus increasing water availability in areas with scarce water resources. However, it is crucial that desalination is carried out in an efficient and sustainable manner to minimize its environmental impact.

Improved irrigation efficiency

Implementing more efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, can significantly reduce water consumption in agriculture. These systems deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and waste.

Demand management

Water demand management involves policies and practices that encourage rational water use. This may include the implementation of tiered water tariffs, where users pay more for water as their consumption increases, and awareness campaigns to promote responsible consumption habits.

5. Ecosystem protection

Protecting and restoring natural ecosystems, such as wetlands and forests, is crucial to maintaining the natural water cycle. These ecosystems act as natural sponges, absorbing excess water during rainfall and slowly releasing it during droughts.

6. Technological innovations

The use of geospatial and artificial intelligence technologies can significantly improve water management. For example, satellites can monitor water levels in real time, detect leaks and predict drought patterns, allowing for more accurate and efficient planning.

At Agforest, we are committed to implementing solutions based on geospatial and artificial intelligence technologies to help corporations and institutions manage their water resources more efficiently. Our goal is to provide the information needed to make informed and sustainable decisions that benefit both people and the environment.