Analysis of water demand issues, desalination challenges, and drinking water procurement

Water resources are one of the most critical natural assets and have become a major subject of global discussions in recent years. As climate change, urbanization, and population growth reshape the world, ensuring access to clean drinking water is becoming an increasingly significant challenge. Problems related to water shortages, contamination of sources, difficulties in obtaining drinking water, and desalination challenges require a multi-faceted approach from governments, businesses, and international organizations. In this article, we will discuss the key issues related to these problems, backed by specific data, forecasts, and technological innovations that may provide answers to the challenges associated with water.

Global challenges related to water demand

Water is the foundation of life and the development of civilization. Unfortunately, its resources are unevenly distributed around the world. According to a 2024 UN report, around 2.2 billion people do not have access to clean, safe drinking water, and forecasts indicate that global demand for water will increase by 55% by 2050. Moreover, while 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, 97.5% of this water is saline, and only 2.5% is freshwater, with only 0.3% of that being available for drinking.

Causes of increasing water demand

The rising demand for water is due to several factors:

• Population growth: The global population reached about 8 billion in 2024, with forecasts suggesting it will increase to 9.7 billion by 2050, leading to higher demand for water for consumption, agriculture, and industry. According to the World Bank, by 2050, water demand will need to rise by 20-30% in relation to current needs.
• Climate change: Climate change significantly impacts the availability of water resources. Increased temperatures lead to higher evaporation rates and reduced rainfall in certain regions. According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report, decreased rainfall and droughts pose a threat to many areas, especially in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East.
• Water Pollution: Another issue is water pollution, resulting from industrial, agricultural, and urban activities. Microplastics, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and wastewater negatively impact surface and groundwater quality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, about 80% of water pollution comes from human activities, including agriculture and industry.

Challenges in procuring drinking water

Drinking water constitutes only a small percentage of the available freshwater on Earth. The process of obtaining it is complex and requires appropriate technologies and infrastructure.

Water contamination and quality

Water contamination is one of the major problems related to access to drinking water. In many developing countries, the lack of proper water purification systems makes access to clean drinking water significantly limited. Microorganisms, chemicals, and heavy metals are the main pollutants that endanger human health. In addition, in developed countries, contamination with microplastics has become a new challenge. Purifying water, especially in large cities, is associated with high costs and substantial energy consumption.

Uneven Distribution of Water

Uneven water distribution is another challenge, especially in countries where water resources are available but the distribution infrastructure is insufficient. According to a UNESCO report, 1.6 billion people live in regions where access to water is limited, despite the availability of water resources in those areas. The lack of appropriate water supply and sewage systems in both urban and rural areas forces people to rely on unreliable sources of water.

Desalination – A solution for the future?

Desalination of seawater is one of the methods that is gaining importance in the context of the global water crisis. Seawater makes up 97.5% of the world’s water resources, so desalination is theoretically a solution that could increase the availability of drinking water. However, this process presents several challenges.

High energy costs

Desalination is an energy-intensive process, especially in traditional methods such as distillation or reverse osmosis. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), desalination can consume up to 4% of global energy production. As a result, the cost of producing 1 cubic meter of seawater is relatively high, limiting its widespread use in countries where energy prices are high.

Environmental impact

Desalination generates waste, such as concentrated brine, which can negatively affect the environment. If not properly processed, the highly concentrated brine can pose a threat to marine ecosystems, especially near areas where large-scale desalination is carried out.

Technological challenges

While desalination technology is becoming more advanced, it still presents a challenge in developing countries. The adaptation of infrastructure and the introduction of new technologies require significant financial investment, which makes desalination an elite technology.

Forecasts for water worldwide

According to the UN report, by 2030, up to 40% of the human population may face serious problems related to access to water. Meanwhile, according to the World Bank’s forecasts, global water demand will increase by 55% by 2050, exacerbating the water crisis, particularly in developing countries and regions already struggling with water shortages.

The need for global action

To meet the challenges related to water demand, coordinated actions are necessary at the global, national, and local levels. Efforts should be focused on the development of new water purification technologies, including more efficient desalination methods, as well as improving water distribution infrastructure. However, this requires substantial financial resources and international cooperation to ensure equal access to water resources worldwide.

In the face of growing challenges related to water, it is also essential to implement sustainable water management practices, encourage water conservation, and improve the quality of water sources. The future of water resources will largely depend on global efforts to mitigate climate change, reduce pollution, and promote responsible water use.