Answer    

Freshwater scarcity is a significant global issue, driven by both natural factors and human activities. The United Nations recognizes access to clean water and sanitation as a fundamental necessity under Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6). As populations grow and climate change worsens water shortages, innovative technologies are essential for securing sustainable freshwater sources.

Reasons Why the World is Facing an Acute Shortage of Clean and Safe Freshwater:

• Increasing Population: The rising global population escalates the demand for freshwater for drinking, sanitation, and agriculture.
  For example: The world’s population is expected to increase by nearly 2 billion persons in the next 30 years, from the current 8 billion to 7 billion in 2050 and could peak at nearly 10.4 billion in the mid-2080s.
• Growing Agricultural Demand: Agriculture consumes 70% of global freshwater, and rising food demand is increasing the strain on these water resources, challenging sustainable management.
  For example: According to estimates compiled by the FAO, by 2050 we will need to produce 60 per cent more food to feed a world population of 3 billion.
• Climate Change: Altered weather patterns disrupt precipitation and freshwater availability, resulting in droughts in many regions.
• Pollution: Contamination from industrial runoff, agricultural chemicals, and untreated sewage diminishes the availability of safe freshwater.
• Overexploitation of Groundwater: Excessive extraction leads to the depletion of aquifers.
  For example: The Central Groundwater Board of India estimates that about 17% of groundwater blocks are overexploited while 5% and 14% blocks are at critical and semi-critical stages, respectively.
• Rapid Urbanization: Increased urban populations place significant pressure on existing water supply systems.
• Ineffective Water Management Policies: Poor management practices contribute to wastage and inequitable distribution of water resources.

Alternative Technologies to Solve the Water Crisis:

• Atmospheric Water Generation: This technology extracts moisture from the air to produce potable water.
  For example: The Watergen device, used in various countries can generate water from humidity in the air, providing an alternative source in arid regions.
• Desalination Technologies: Desalination involves converting seawater into freshwater, making it suitable for drinking and irrigation.
  For example: The Ras Al Khair desalination plant in Saudi Arabia produces 1,036,000 m3/day of freshwater per day.
• Greywater Recycling: This technology treats and reuses greywater (wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing machines) for non-potable purposes.
  For instance: Residential buildings can utilize greywater systems to irrigate gardens and flush toilets, significantly reducing freshwater use.
• Rainwater Harvesting: This method captures and stores rainwater for reuse, particularly in areas with seasonal rainfall.
• Solar-Powered Water Purification: This technology uses solar energy to purify water, making it safe for drinking.
• Nanotechnology-Based Filtration: This advanced filtration uses nanomaterials to remove contaminants from water at a molecular level.
  For example: Researchers have developed nanofilters that can effectively remove heavy metals and pathogens from water, improving water quality in regions affected by industrial pollution.
• Fog Harvesting: This method captures water droplets from fog using specialized nets, providing a source of freshwater in fog-prone areas.
  For example: In Chile, fog nets are used in the Atacama Desert to collect moisture from fog, supplying water to local communities where conventional sources are scarce.
• Biomimicry in Water Conservation: This approach emulates natural processes to improve water efficiency and conservation.
  For example: The design of buildings that mimic termite mounds in Namibia has been used to create energy-efficient structures that naturally regulate temperature and conserve water.

Three Alternative Technologies with merits and demerits:

• Desalination Technologies: Desalination technologies convert seawater into freshwater by removing salt and impurities, providing an alternative water source in regions facing freshwater scarcity.
  For example: The Sorek desalination plant in Israel supplies approximately 20% of the country’s drinking water.
  • Merits: Provides a reliable water source for coastal regions.
  • Demerits: It requires high energy consumption and raises environmental concerns related to brine disposal, which can harm marine ecosystems.
• Rainwater Harvesting: This technique captures and stores rainwater for reuse.
  For example: Traditional Johads in Rajasthan effectively recharge groundwater and provide irrigation water.
  • Merits: It is simple to implement and reduces reliance on groundwater.
  • Demerits: Its effectiveness is limited in regions with low rainfall and necessitates adequate storage infrastructure.
• Wastewater Recycling and Reuse: This involves treating and reusing wastewater for various applications.
  For example: Singapore’s NEWater project treats wastewater for industrial use and potable water, meeting about 40% of the country’s water needs.
  • Merits: It conserves freshwater by recycling used water.
  • Demerits: The initial setup costs are high, and there may be public resistance to using treated wastewater.

Tackling freshwater scarcity demands an integrated strategy combining innovative technologies, robust policies, and active community involvement. Solutions like desalination, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater recycling, alongside government initiatives and public awareness, can enhance water resource management and ensure sustainable access.

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