Water Supply and Scarcity
According to the United Nations, water scarcity is defined as the point at which the aggregate impact of all users impinges on the supply or quality of water. Water scarcity is a relative concept and can occur at any level of supply or demand. Scarcity may be socially-constructed or the consequence of altered supply patterns stemming from climate change. Resources available in this sub-theme include U.S. drought monitoring data, workshops for rural water supply systems, among other resources that support water supply and scarcity.
Browse by resource type
Water Supply and Scarcity Resources
Aqueduct Metadata Document: Aqueduct Global Maps 2.0
Published:
January 1, 2013World Resources Institute
This document describes the specific characteristics of the indicator data and calculations for the Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas Global Maps. Complete guidelines and processes for data collection, calculations, and mapping techniques are described fully in the Aqueduct Water Risk Framework.Read more
Aqueduct Water Risk Framework
Published:
January 1, 2013World Resources Institute
The Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas provides a set of indicators that capture a wide range of variables, and aggregates them into comprehensive scores using the Water Risk Framework. Companies can use this information to prioritize actions, investors to leverage financial interest to improve water...Read more
Majority of China's Proposed Coal-Fired Power Plants Located in Water-Stressed Regions
World Resources Institute
This document analyzes the future of coal-power in China, focusing on the impacts the construction of these plants will have in already water-stressed regions. Such impacts include further straining already-scare resources and threatening water security for China's farms, other industries, and...Read more
Regional focus:
ChinaEast Asia and PacificImproving China's Yellow River: Why Business and Government Need to Work Together
World Resources Institute
Today, the Yellow River and the people who depend on it face severe challenges. Stress of limited water resources, pollution, and flooding pose significant risks to communities and business that rely on the river. In September 2012, water experts from government, research institutes, the private...Read more
Regional focus:
ChinaEast Asia and PacificAqueduct Country and River Basin Rankings Map
World Resources Institute
This map shows countries and river basins' average exposure to five of Aqueduct's water risk indicators: baseline water stress, interannual variability, seasonal variability, flood occurrence, and drought severity. Risk exposure scores are available for every country (except Greenland and...Read more
One-Quarter of World's Agriculture Grows in Highly Water-Stressed Areas
World Resources Institute
This document provides analytical insight into WRI's Agricultural Commodities Map that reveals the tension between water availability and agricultural production.Read more
Conflicting Reporting Systems May Hinder Companies' Water Risk Strategies
World Resources Institute
This blog analyzes how a lack of consistent definitions of water stress and scarcity can impede companies ability to properly measure water risks.Read more
Don't see what you're looking for? You can search USWP member sites, request a resource, or contact the USWP.