Causes of Water Issues
Water Pollution
Water pollution is defined as the introduction of contaminants into various water sources, rendering them unsuitable for use. These pollutants include chemicals, household and industrial waste, as well as microbiological entities such as parasites and bacteria. The impact of these pollutants on water sources can be indirect; for example, airborne substances that contribute to air pollution ultimately settle on surface water bodies like lakes and oceans. Additionally, garbage and chemicals contaminating the soil can eventually seep into both surface and groundwater sources. Consequently, water pollution has detrimental effects on surrounding ecosystems and human uses of water.
Hydraulic Fracturing
Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a method employed in the extraction of oil and natural gas from hard-to-reach locations that standard drilling techniques cannot access. This technology was developed in the late 1940s and operates by utilizing substantial volumes of water along with sand and chemicals to fracture rock formations, depleting water resources in the process.
This process generates millions of gallons of toxic fluids containing a mixture of chemicals, radioactive sediment, heavy hydrocarbons, saline water, and heavy metals. Furthermore, the fractures created within the Earth’s rocks can form pathways that allow various chemicals, gases, and radioactive materials to infiltrate water sources.
Dilapidated Infrastructure
Environmental infrastructure provides essential services such as water supply, pollution control, and sewage disposal. It encompasses extensive networks of water distribution channels, drainage systems, pumping stations, and water treatment systems, including sedimentation tanks, aeration systems, filters, desalination plants, incinerators, and hazardous waste disposal facilities. Poor management or prolonged use of these services without regular maintenance can lead to significant water source contamination.
Industrial Waste
The industrial sector consumes vast amounts of freshwater and significantly pollutes water sources. Factories produce considerable hazardous waste, which can include chemical byproducts such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or trichloroethylene, both of which are among the most harmful substances to the environment and living organisms. Organic waste can also be produced, including residues from pesticides and cleaning agents, as well as biodegradable waste from fruits and vegetables. Additionally, liquid waste may contain inorganic compounds like concentrated saline solutions and metals.
Agriculture
Agriculture accounts for a large portion of global freshwater consumption, approximately 70%. However, a critical issue arises as nearly 60% of the water used in agriculture is wasted due to factors such as the use of outdated irrigation systems that leak significant amounts of water, reliance on inefficient traditional irrigation methods, and the cultivation of water-intensive crops unsuitable for their environmental conditions.
These inefficient practices lead to the depletion of natural water resources, including rivers, lakes, and groundwater, which is increasingly evident in countries that produce large quantities of food. It is also essential to note that agriculture contributes to the pollution of freshwater sources through the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Population Growth
The rapid increase in population density, along with rising income levels, has led to a heightened demand for water. Currently, the global population stands at approximately 7.5 billion and is expected to increase by an additional 2.3 billion by the year 2050. This substantial population growth will exacerbate water issues, as rising incomes fuel industries that require large volumes of water, such as meat production and fossil fuel energy generation.
Climate Change
Climate change is causing extreme weather conditions on our planet, including rising temperatures and droughts. The continual movement of clouds away from the equator towards the poles, driven by the Hadley Cell phenomenon, results in reduced precipitation in tropical regions, particularly affecting countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Central America. This shift disrupts global water availability and distribution.
Groundwater Depletion
Approximately 30% of freshwater is located in aquifers deep beneath the Earth’s surface. This water is continually drawn on for drinking, agricultural, and industrial purposes. The challenge emerges when extraction surpasses safe and sustainable limits, risking depletion. Since groundwater is not as visible as surface water sources, it is crucial to prioritize and continuously monitor its levels.
The Water Crisis
Water covers 70% of the Earth’s surface, yet freshwater constitutes only about 3% of the total water availability, with two-thirds of this limited portion being inaccessible for direct use as it is trapped in ice caps or difficult to reach. This scarcity has led to a situation where freshwater resources are insufficient to meet human and environmental needs in numerous regions worldwide. According to End Water Poverty, approximately 663 million people lack any means of accessing clean and safe drinking water year-round, and two-thirds of the global population experiences water shortages for at least one month each year.
The issue of water scarcity is recognized as a global development priority, as water is essential for social and economic advancement, energy and food production, ecosystem maintenance, and human survival. Furthermore, it plays a critical role in adapting to climate change, which affects both human populations and the environment.