The problem of water scarcity has affected a lot of people all over the world. People who have access to water do not use it efficiently, others have access to water that cannot be used for human consumption. People have died in different parts of the world due to water scarcity. Read on as we explain some expert solutions to solve the water scarcity problem.

Educate to change lifestyles and consumption

In the end, solving the water crisis problem involves educating people to motivate them so that they can adopt new behaviours. For us to cope with the coming era of the water scarcity problem, we will need to do a major overhaul of different forms of water consumption, from the supply chains of industries to individual use of water. Some regions are already facing the water crisis and are struggling to solve the problem. The most vital task is to ensure that the problem is better understood globally.

Invent new water conservation technologies

Rainwater is unpredictable and aquifers are drying. We should therefore invest in water companies to help them innovate new technologies to conserve water. Some areas do not collect rainwater but when the dry season hits them, they face the problem of water scarcity. Coming up with technologies to purify water and store clean water for use when the need arises is very important.

Recycle water

Fortunately, water can be recycled to help in solving the problem of water scarcity. Most industries have wastewater treatment plants to treat water so that it can be reused for other purposes such as irrigation, cooling machines and so on.

Price water appropriately

Pricing water and human rights are closely related to one another. Consumers are questioning the benefit of overpriced water. According to experts in the water industry, raising the prices of water will lower pollution and waste. The current pricing systems are obsolete and need reform because they send the wrong signals.

Develop desalination plants that are energy-efficient

Desalination of water has been a solution that requires a lot of energy. The Middle East has capitalised on its energy reserves to build huge desalination plants. In its recent announcement, Saudi Arabia announced that it is going to use solar-powered plants to desalinise water. On the other hand, Britain has taken a different approach with its small-scale desalination plants. But all these innovations bring to light another necessary resource and that is the capital to experiment with various technologies.

Develop and enact better regulations and policies

As the water scarcity problem complicates pollution and food security, governments should redefine their role. In Russia, Putin approved waste discharges in one of the largest freshwater bodies in the world. The US government wants to expand the clean water act to ensure we protect our natural water resources.

Manage the ecosystems holistically

Another way to solve the problem of water scarcity is to manage the ecosystem holistically. Holistic management applies to a common-sense approach to overseeing our natural resources that take into account cultural, economic and ecological goals. The whole is greater than parts and each facet is closely related to each other.