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

Designing Small Dams

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
This technical note outlines the steps that must be taken to design small earth dams: -location of suitable site -design of the dam embankment -design the spillway.Read more

Water Treatment in Emergencies

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
The treatment of water supplies in emergency situations is important to protect people's health. When natural disasters, drought, or social unrest cause a loss of supply of portable water or when, for any reason, a water supply is disrupted or a supply change is necessary, measures should be...Read more

Village Technology Handbook: Developing Water Resources

Published: 
January 1, 1970
U.S. Agency for International Development
The Village Technology Handbook is aimed at helping villagers to master the resources available to them: to improve their own lives and to bring their villages more fully into the lives of the nations of which they form a basic and important part. Technical information is a basic factor in the...Read more

Managing Water Resource Requirements for Growing Electric Generation Demands

Published: 
January 1, 2009
Electric Power Research Institute
This report is a general guide to analytical techniques used to address water resource management as related to long-term sustainability planning, and short-term regulatory requirements, including total maximum daily loads, endangered species, and relicensing of hydropower facilities. The example...Read more

Don't see what you're looking for? You can search USWP member sites, request a resource, or contact the USWP.