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.

Water Supply and Scarcity Resources

Aqueduct 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

The Role of the Public and Private Sectors in Water Provision in Arizona, USA

The National Institutes for Water Resources
Sustainable water management is a critical concern in the semi-arid portions of the American Southwest. This paper explains the decentralized approach to water supply management in this region, including the traditional roles of the public and private sectors. With Arizona as a focus, it explores...Read more
Regional/Country focus:
Latin America and the Caribbean

Drought Preparedness and Response

Publication date:
January 1, 2011
Alliance for Water Efficiency
Preparing for drought and water shortages before they occur is the best defense. Manual M60 will help water managers facing water shortages by illustrating how to employ tried-and-true strategies and tactics of drought mitigation, as well as new tools and methods.Read more

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