Freshwater constitutes only 2.5% of the total water on Earth, and less than 1% is easily accessible. Yet, demand for water has tripled in the last 50 years due to population growth, urbanisation, and industrialisation, leading to a freshwater crisis both in terms of availability and access.

Map of global water stress regions

Causes of the Freshwater Crisis

1. Unequal Geographical Distribution

   • ~60% of global freshwater lies in just 10 countries (e.g., Brazil, Canada, Russia).
   • Water-stressed regions like the Middle East, North Africa, and western India face chronic shortages.

2. Over-extraction of Groundwater

   • India is the largest extractor of groundwater—more than China and the US combined (World Bank).
   • Punjab’s water table is falling by >1 metre annually.

3. Climate Change and Glacial Melt

   • Glaciers feeding rivers like Ganga, Yangtze, and Mekong are melting rapidly.
   • Erratic rainfall patterns cause prolonged droughts (e.g., Horn of Africa) and flash floods (e.g., Pakistan, 2022).

4. Pollution of Water Bodies

   • Industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff pollute rivers and lakes.
   • Yamuna and Citarum (Indonesia) are among the world’s most polluted rivers.

5. Rapid Urbanisation and Infrastructure Deficits

   • Cities like Jakarta and Bangalore struggle with inadequate water supply and waste treatment.
   • Leakages and theft lead to 30–40% water loss in urban water systems.

6. Population Growth and Rising Demand

   • Global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050.
   • Water demand may rise by 50% by 2030 (UN Water Report).

7. Unsustainable Agriculture Practices

   • Agriculture consumes ~70% of global freshwater.
   • Flood irrigation and water-intensive crops (e.g., rice, sugarcane) deplete aquifers—seen in Maharashtra and Punjab.

8. Transboundary Water Disputes

   • Rivers like Nile, Tigris-Euphrates, and Indus are shared by multiple countries.
   • Disputes over water allocation (e.g., India–Pakistan Indus Water Treaty) hamper equitable access.

9. Weak Governance and Regulatory Gaps

   • Many countries lack Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM).
   • Poor implementation of policies like Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 in India.

The freshwater crisis reflects a complex interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors. A sustainable way forward involves efficient water management, pollution control, equitable sharing, and climate-resilient infrastructure.