Quick action needed to prevent drinking water shortage in 2030 (2024)

FAQs

Quick action needed to prevent drinking water shortage in 2030? ›

An initial option is to use less drinking water. Another option is to build up larger reserves and retain water for longer, for example by permanently storing more water in the dunes or basins. This could be used during peak demand in the summer.

By 2030, we may face a 40% global gap between water supply and demand. The World Economic Forum's Water Possible Platform is supporting innovative ideas to address the global water challenge.

Governments can secure long-term sustainability of freshwater resources use by: Setting maximum sustainable limits for water consumption and water pollution in river basins and aquifers to ensure the appropriate balance between water people and nature.

While some human activities have exacerbated the water crisis, humans have also developed technologies to better acquire or conserve freshwater. Solutions to addressing water shortages include dams and reservoirs, rainwater harvesting, aqueducts, desalination, water reuse, and water conservation.

Rainwater harvesting and recycled wastewater also allow to reduce scarcity and ease pressures on groundwater and other natural water bodies. Groundwater recharge, that allows water moving from surface water to groundwater, is a well-known process to prevent water scarcity.

Infrastructure

According to the United Nations, 100-200bn cubic metres of water could be saved globally by 2030 in urban areas simply by reducing leaks. It is up to cities to ensure the infrastructure is in place to deal with water scarcity in the face of warming global temperatures.

And water supplies could decline by a third by 2071, even as the population mushrooms to 404 million by 2050, compared with 334 million today. So will America run out of water? The simple answer is no — but freshwater will not always be available where and when humans need it.

By 2030, there will be a global shortage of seven million skilled workers that would be needed for the necessary climate and energy projects, such as installing solar panels, heat pumps, electric car charging stations, and wind farms.

Which states will run out of water first? ›

Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Nebraska, California and Idaho are using more water than they receive each year, depleting groundwater reserves to support farming and industrial use.

Unless water use is drastically reduced, severe water shortage will affect the entire planet by 2040.

The Department of the Interior is providing over $2 billion for 250 water infrastructure projects through funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act to advance drought resilience and expand access to clean, reliable water for families, farmers, and wildlife.

Targeted investments and incentives in innovative and efficient water management practices are key. This includes new technologies for irrigation and storage, advancing wastewater treatment and reuse, circular economy principles and ecosystem-based solutions to address water scarcity.

Water can be scarce for many reasons: demand for water may be exceeding supply, water infrastructure may be inadequate, or institutions may be failing to balance everyone's needs.