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

On-Site Alternate Water Sources & Use Introduction

Alliance for Water Efficiency
There are many water sources available on building sites that can supplement the more traditional water sources. These water sources are non-potable, and vary greatly in quality. Most of the on-site water resources have limited application, and are never suitable for human consumption. The...Read more

Hotels and Motels Introduction to Water Saving

Alliance for Water Efficiency
Water savings potential varies greatly at hotels, depending on the type of facility and the how guests use the hotel. Guest rooms are not the only area to find potential water savings. Many larger hotels have significant water use resulting from banquets, conferences, restaurants, nightclubs, day...Read more

Manufacturing Introduction to Water Saving

Alliance for Water Efficiency
In many cases, manufacturing facilities provide a great opportunity for water efficiency and conservation.Depending on the industrial process, this sector usually contains the water utilities largest customers. The most common uses for water in manufacturing are cooling, process uses, cleaning,...Read more

Medical and Health Care Systems Introduction to Water Saving

Alliance for Water Efficiency
Health care delivery in the U.S. has become a "high-tech" industry sector. Whether in the dental office, the clinic, the physician's office, or the hospital, equipment is sophisticated and evolving. But, some of the older equipment uses exceedingly high amounts of water, usually for...Read more

Health Clubs and Recreation Centers Introduction to Water Saving

Alliance for Water Efficiency
Health clubs and recreation centers are part of a growing industry, and their water consumption grows as they expand their services. What used to be only weight rooms, stationary bikes and a few racquetball courts has expanded to include aquatic sport and exercise facilities, smoothie bars and food...Read more

North American Drought Monitor

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This website provides maps, analysis and data for the North American drought-monitoring partnership between Canada, Mexico and the United States This includes indices on soil moisture and precipitation.Read more

Outline of Water Resources Development in the West African Sahel

U.S. Agency for International Development
The purpose of this study was to draw up a first inventory of the quantities of water of all categories available for humans, livestock and irrigation in the various regions of the Sahel to locate the geographically, to compare them with the requirements and to see how far their use is compatible...Read more
Regional/Country focus:
Middle East and North Africa

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