Water scarcity is a severe problem affecting millions of people worldwide. The United Nations reports that more than a quarter of the global population lacks access to safe drinking water, and almost half do not have adequate water sanitation services.
Most of the countries on the list are vulnerable to water scarcity due to similar factors such as climate change, population growth, pollution, and government instability.
The World Resources Institute's Aqueduct Water Stress Index ranks these ten countries as currently facing the highest levels of water scarcity in the world:
1. Qatar
2. Israel
3. Lebanon
4. Kuwait
5. Jordan
6. United Arab Emirates
7. Spain
8. Italy
9. Greece
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10. Cyprus
Qatar has the greatest water scarcity because it has limited renewable water resources and a fast-growing population. Qatar relies heavily on desalination, which is a process that removes salt from seawater, to meet its water needs. However, desalination is expensive and produces substantial amounts of brine, which can harm the marine environment.
Lebanon is another country that suffers from water scarcity due to a combination of natural and human factors. Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate, meaning it receives most of its rainfall in the winter and faces droughts in the summer.
Lebanon also has a high population density, which puts pressure on its water resources. Moreover, Lebanon is one of those countries that have been most been affected by political instability and conflict. Instability disrupts water infrastructure and management.
Israel is the one country on the list that has taken the most proactive measures to address water scarcity. Israel has invested in advanced technologies, such as drip irrigation, wastewater recycling, and desalination, to reduce water consumption and increase water efficiency. However, Israel still faces challenges in ensuring equitable and sustainable water use for all its citizens.
To clarify, water scarcity means more than using more water than is renewable. It also includes these negative impacts:
- Increased disease. As referenced earlier, when water is scarce, people are more likely to drink contaminated water or use unsafe sanitation practices. This can spread waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, which can be fatal.
- Hampers agriculture. Water scarcity makes it hard to grow crops. Many countries rely on exporting their agricultural products to generate income. If they cannot produce enough crops, they will lose revenue and face food insecurity.
- Tensions and conflict. Water scarcity can also create conflicts between countries that share water resources. These conflicts can escalate into violence and threaten regional stability. However, other countries have formed alliances to cooperate on water management.
- Economic implications. Water scarcity can also affect the businesses and industries in these countries. Water is essential for most industrial processes and services. Without enough water, many companies cannot operate efficiently or at all. This can reduce the economic growth and development of these countries.
There is only one option for these countries, one that is being implemented in many countries today. That is using water more efficiently. Water efficiency is the practice of reducing water consumption long-term. It typically involves installing water-using products and restroom fixtures that use less water or no water at all.
A recent study by Transparency Market Research, a global market research company registered in Wilmington, Delaware, suggests that many of the countries in the Middle East and Africa are becoming more water efficient by installing no-water urinals, also known as waterless urinals. The study indicates this has become the key reason for selecting these urinals over conventional urinals.
What we all should know is that urinals do not need water to function properly. Fortunately, these and other countries are now beginning to realize this.
Waterless Co., Inc is a pioneer in water efficiency. We are the go-to company when it comes to reducing water consumption, understanding the many benefits of waterless urinals, and finding ways to use water more efficiently. For more information, contact a Waterless Co Specialist.
