Abstract:

A detailed analysis of how population interacts with renewable water at local levels would demand data on regional supply and quality that are currently not available. However, comparing current and projected population trends with national data on renewable water supplies in various countries could bring into focus the impact of population growth on this essential natural resource. An analysis, based on the data available on about 149 nations’ water availability and the population growth projected by UN, has been presented herewith to find out the changes in water statistics and the likely availability of water for the best uses. The per capita availability of water based on 1990 data has been taken for the analysis.

A classification of the water shortage, water stress and water scare nations has been done considering its present and future requirements. Over 28 countries as on 1990, experienced water stress or scarcity. With world population growing by 1.6 percent a year, it is predicted that by 2025, about 46 to 52 countries will fall into these categories. Besides, human being, coastal and marine ecosystem will be facing major threats from water. It will also lead to the increase in international conflicts particularly among the water-dependent countries. An approach to conservation and sustainable use of water for safe future should be the guiding policy for solving the ever-growing water problem.