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Global Water Scarcity
Causes, Impacts, and Management Strategies
Sughosh Madhav (Edited by), Virendra Bahadur Singh (Edited by), Sushil Kumar Shukla (Edited by), Ravi Shekhar (Edited by)
9781394345823, Wiley
Hardback, published 4 February 2026
384 pages
24.6 x 17.3 x 2.8 cm, 0.839 kg
Presents a framework for understanding and managing global water scarcity Global Water Scarcity: Causes, Impacts, and Management Strategies explores the factors driving water shortages across the world while presenting actionable strategies for sustainable water management. Bringing together technical, ecological, and socioeconomic perspectives, this edited volume examines both the natural and human-induced causes of scarcity and outlines adaptive approaches to achieve global water security. Expert contributors draw on case studies and the latest research to highlight diverse management strategies—ranging from desalination technologies and aquifer recharge to the restoration of aquatic ecosystems and rainwater harvesting. In-depth chapters address critical topics such as groundwater depletion, geogenic contamination, and the socioeconomic implications of water stress. Providing readers with an understanding of the interconnected systems that shape global water availability, Global Water Scarcity: Global Water Scarcity: Causes, Impacts, and Management Strategies is essential reading for researchers in environmental science, hydrology, and water resource management courses, as well as professionals working in environmental policy, sustainable development, and civil or environmental engineering.
List of Contributors xvii About the Editors xxiii Preface xxv 1 Desalination Technologies: Harnessing the Ocean for Freshwater Solutions 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Desalination Technologies Overview 3 1.3 Conventional Desalination Technologies 5 1.3.1 Reverse Osmosis 5 1.3.1.1 Description and Working Principle 6 1.3.1.2 Technological Challenges and the Future of RO 7 1.3.2 MSF Distillation 8 1.3.2.1 Key Operational Parameters and Energy Requirements 8 1.3.3 Multi-effect Distillation 9 1.3.4 Electro Dialysis 10 1.3.4.1 Applications in Brackish Water Desalination 11 1.4 Emerging Desalination Technologies 11 1.4.1 Nanotechnology-based Membranes 11 1.4.2 Geothermal Desalination 11 1.4.3 Capacitive Deionization 12 1.4.4 Membrane Distillation 12 1.4.5 Advanced Reverse Osmosis 12 1.4.6 Forward Osmosis 13 1.4.7 Potential Advantages Over Traditional Methods 13 1.5 Energy Sources for Desalination 14 1.5.1 Conventional Energy Sources 14 1.5.2 RE Integration 14 1.6 Economic and Environmental Considerations 15 1.6.1 Cost Analysis of Desalination Technologies 15 1.6.2 Environmental Impact Assessments 16 1.7 Future Directions in Desalination Research 16 1.8 Conclusion 17 Acknowledgements 18 References 18 2 Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems for Water Resource Management: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions 23 2.1 Introduction 23 2.2 Factors Affecting Water Resources 25 2.2.1 Rainfall (Indian Summer Monsoon) 25 2.2.2 Surface Water 25 2.2.3 Groundwater 26 2.2.4 Water Demand and Availability 26 2.3 Ecological Renewal in Water Resource Management: The Need 27 2.4 Importance of the Aquatic Ecosystem 28 2.5 Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems 29 2.5.1 Principles of Restoration: Sustainable Solutions 31 2.5.1.1 Addressing the Root Cause of Degradation 32 2.5.1.2 Restoring Ecological Integrity 32 2.5.1.3 Nature-based Solutions: Climate Resilience and Adaptation 33 2.5.2 Restoring Native and Keystone Species 35 2.5.2.1 Restoring Hydrological Flow and Natural Regimes 36 2.5.2.2 Incorporating Technological Yet Cost-effective and Measurable Methods of Restoration Aligning with Adaptive Management 36 2.5.2.3 Integrating Stronger Legal and Financial Support for Sustainable Restoration 38 2.5.2.4 Community-led Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration: Integrating Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITKs) 39 2.6 Conclusion 40 References 41 3 Groundwater Nitrate as a Key Concern of Water Scarcity in Arid Environment: A Special Focus on MENA Region 49 3.1 Introduction 49 3.1.1 Study Area 51 3.1.2 Literature and Data Collection Strategy 53 3.2 Nitrate Levels in the MENA Region 53 3.3 Nitrate Natural (Geogenic) Sources in Groundwater 56 3.3.1 Other Geogenic Contaminants in Groundwater in the MENA Region 57 3.4 Anthropogenic Sources of Nitrate in Groundwater 58 3.4.1 Agriculture 58 3.4.2 Wastewater 58 3.5 Isotopic Evidence for Nitrate Contamination 60 3.6 Role of Ionic Ratios to Identify the Sources of Nitrate 60 3.7 Processes and Evolution Governing Nitrate in Groundwater 60 3.8 Mitigation and Strategies 61 3.9 Recommendation 62 Acknowledgements 62 References 63 4 Global Perspectives on the Impact of Climate Change on Water Scarcity, Including Regional Vulnerabilities, and Adaptation Strategies 73 4.1 Introduction 73 4.2 Regional Vulnerabilities of Water Scarcity as a Consequence of Climate Change Across the World 75 4.2.1 Water Scarcity in Africa 75 4.2.2 Water Scarcity in Asia 77 4.2.3 Water Scarcity in the Mediterranean and Middle East Regions 80 4.2.4 Water Scarcity in America 81 4.2.5 Water Scarcity in Australia 82 4.2.6 Water Scarcity Issue in the Transboundary River Basin 82 4.3 Planned Adaptation to Water Scarcity 83 4.4 Conclusion 84 References 84 5 An Overview of Seawater Desalination Techniques, Challenges, and Opportunities 89 5.1 Introduction 89 5.2 Thermal Desalination 90 5.2.1 Multistage Flash 91 5.2.2 Multi-effect Distillation 92 5.2.3 Vapor Compression Distillation 93 5.3 Membrane-based Desalination 93 5.3.1 Electrodialysis 94 5.3.2 Reverse Osmosis 94 5.4 Hybrid Desalination Technologies 95 5.4.1 ED–RO Hybrid Process 96 5.4.1.1 Pretreatment of Entry Water 96 5.4.1.2 ED as Pretreatment 96 5.4.1.3 RO for Final Purification 97 5.4.1.4 Brine Management 97 5.4.1.5 Categories of ED–RO Hybrid Configurations 97 5.4.2 FO–MD Hybrid Systems 98 5.4.2.1 Preparation of FS and DS 98 5.4.2.2 FO: Primary Water Separation 99 5.4.2.3 Transfer of DS to the MD Process 99 5.4.2.4 Recovery and Regeneration of DS 99 5.4.2.5 Collection and Disposal of Residual Wastewater 99 5.4.3 RO–MD Hybrid Systems 100 5.4.3.1 The Benefits and Drawbacks of RO–MD Systems 100 5.4.4 RO–FO Hybrid Systems 100 5.4.4.1 Marine Water Pretreatment Stage 101 5.4.4.2 Process (FO): Transfer of Water to the Absorbent DS 101 5.4.4.3 Separation of DS 101 5.4.4.4 Water Passing the RO Membrane for Ultimate Desalination 101 5.4.4.5 Wastewater Management and Energy Recovery 101 5.4.4.6 Generation of Potable Water as the Final Product 102 5.4.4.7 Configurations of RO–FO Hybrid Systems in Marine Desalination 102 5.5 Solar-powered Desalination 105 5.5.1 Direct Solar Desalination 105 5.5.2 Indirect Solar Desalination 105 5.5.2.1 Solar Photovoltaic 105 5.5.2.2 Solar Thermal 105 5.6 Conclusion 106 References 106 6 Examining the Causes of Water Scarcity in the World and the Impact of Water Economy 113 6.1 Introduction 113 6.2 Water Crisis and Its Main Causes 113 6.3 The Importance of Studying Water Economics to Solve Crises 117 6.4 Dimensions of the Water Crisis 118 6.4.1 Reduction of Renewable Water Resources 118 6.4.2 Increase in Water Demand 119 6.4.3 Lack of Access to Clean Water 120 6.5 Water Economics 121 6.5.1 The Economic Value of Water 121 6.5.2 Water Resource Management 122 6.5.3 Problems in Water Resource Allocation 124 6.6 Economic Effects of the Water Crisis 125 6.6.1 Agriculture and Food Security 125 6.6.2 Industry and Production 128 6.6.3 Social and Health Impacts 129 6.7 Solutions and Strategies 129 References 130 7 Innovative Approaches to Marine Water Desalination and Sustainable Utilization 133 7.1 Introduction 133 7.2 Importance of Marine Water Desalination 134 7.3 Global Water Scarcity Concerns 135 7.4 Environmental Impacts and Energy Challenges 135 7.5 Need for Innovative and Sustainable Desalination Methods 136 7.6 Conventional Desalination Techniques 137 7.7 Recent Advancements in Desalination Technologies 139 7.8 Environmental Impact and Mitigation Measures 140 7.9 Economic Considerations and Cost-effectiveness Analysis 141 7.10 Case Studies and Real-world Applications 143 7.11 Future Directions and Research Opportunities 143 7.12 Conclusion and Recommendations 145 Acknowledgements 146 References 146 8 Advances in Water Resources Management by Protection and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems 149 8.1 Introduction 149 8.2 Advancements in Water Management Strategies 150 8.2.1 Monitoring 150 8.2.2 Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystem 151 8.2.2.1 Habitat Restoration 151 8.2.2.2 Methods of Restoration 154 8.2.3 Protection of Aquatic Ecosystems 161 8.2.3.1 International Laws and Regulations 162 8.3 Prospects and Recommendation 164 8.3.1 Strengthening Global Cooperation and Knowledge-sharing 164 8.3.2 Enhancing Public Awareness and Education 164 8.3.3 Leveraging Emerging Technologies for Adaptive Management 164 8.4 Conclusion 165 References 165 9 Groundwater Scarcity and Socioeconomic Impact Due to Coal Mining – Case Study on Shahdol District, Madhya Pradesh, India 175 9.1 Introduction 175 9.2 Study Area 177 9.3 Materials and Methods 178 9.4 Results and Discussion 179 9.4.1 Groundwater Scarcity 179 9.4.2 Socioeconomic Impacts 180 9.5 Conclusion 187 Acknowledgements 187 References 188 10 Groundwater Scarcity: Assessment, Monitoring, and Management in India Using Geospatial Techniques 191 10.1 Introduction 191 10.2 Status of Groundwater in India 193 10.3 Regional Groundwater Status 195 10.3.1 Groundwater Status in Northern India 197 10.3.2 Groundwater Status in Central and Western India 197 10.3.3 Groundwater Status in Southern India 197 10.3.4 Groundwater Status in Eastern India 197 10.3.5 Groundwater Status in Himalayan and Northeastern India 198 10.4 Geospatial Technologies Application in Groundwater Monitoring 198 10.4.1 RS for Groundwater Assessment 198 10.4.1.1 GRACE Satellite Mission and Groundwater Storage Trends 198 10.4.1.2 Optical and Microwave RS for Groundwater Monitoring 199 10.4.2 GIS-based Groundwater Potential Mapping 199 10.4.2.1 MCDA in Groundwater Studies 200 10.4.3 Hydro-climatic Models and Machine Learning Applications 200 10.4.3.1 ML and AI in Groundwater Studies 201 10.5 Geospatial Techniques in Groundwater Recharge Management 201 10.5.1 Geospatial Innovations for Real-time Groundwater Monitoring and Management 201 10.6 Summary and Conclusions 202 References 203 11 Revival and Rejuvenation of Aquatic Ecosystems for Water Resource Management 207 11.1 Introduction 207 11.2 Aquatic Ecosystem 207 11.2.1 Freshwater Ecosystem 208 11.2.1.1 Types of Freshwater Ecosystem 208 11.2.1.2 Causes and Threats to Water Resources 209 11.2.1.3 The Concepts of Revival and Rejuvenation 209 11.2.1.4 The Aim and Purpose of Conducting the Study 210 11.2.1.5 Treatment Processes 210 11.3 Conclusion 223 References 224 12 Understanding the Role of Water Scarcity in Natural Disaster Vulnerability: An Overview 229 12.1 Introduction 229 12.2 Understanding Water Scarcity 231 12.2.1 Water Scarcity and Climate Change 232 12.3 Natural Disasters Linked to Water Scarcity 233 12.3.1 Droughts 233 12.3.2 Wildfires 235 12.3.3 Floods 236 12.4 Social and Economic Impacts of Natural Disasters 238 12.5 Case Studies 238 12.6 Strategies to Address Water Scarcity and Disaster Resilience 239 12.6.1 Technological Innovations in Water Scarcity and Disaster Management 241 12.7 Concluding Remarks 242 References 242 13 Role of Geogenic Contaminants in Water Scarcity and Remediation Approaches 249 13.1 Introduction 249 13.2 Geogenic Contaminants: Origin, Types, and Their Impacts 250 13.2.1 Definition and Origin of Geogenic Contaminants 250 13.2.2 Geogenic Contaminants: Types and Their Ecological and Health Impacts 251 13.2.3 Effects of Contaminants on Flora and Fauna 252 13.3 Bioremediation as a Sustainable Removal Strategy 253 13.3.1 Fundamentals of Bioremediation and Its Significance in Water Management 253 13.3.2 Strategies in Bioremediation for the Removal of Geogenic Contaminants 254 13.3.2.1 Bioaugmentation 255 13.3.2.2 Bio-stimulation 255 13.3.2.3 Biosorption 255 13.3.2.4 Bioaccumulation 255 13.3.2.5 Bioleaching 255 13.3.2.6 Biotransformation 255 13.3.2.7 Bioprecipitation 255 13.3.3 Role of Microbial Communities in Bioremediation 256 13.3.4 Challenges in Bioremediation 257 13.4 Case Study: Bioremediation as an Approach to Reduce Geogenic Contamination 258 13.5 Strategies for Sustainable Water Management 259 13.5.1 Significance of Advanced Detection and Bioremediation in Mitigating Water Scarcity 259 13.5.2 Integration with Other Water Management Approaches for Generating Freshwater 260 13.5.3 Guidelines and Frameworks to Address Geogenic Contamination 261 13.6 Conclusion 261 References 262 14 Harnessing the Rain: A Path to Water Sustainability 269 14.1 Introduction 269 14.1.1 The Concept of RWH 270 14.2 Historical Perspective 271 14.2.1 Traditional RWH Practices Across Civilizations 271 14.2.2 Stepwells in India 271 14.2.3 Cisterns in the Mediterranean 271 14.2.4 Other Notable RWH Practices 272 14.3 Evolution of Modern RWH Techniques 272 14.3.1 Early 20th-century Developments 272 14.3.2 Lessons from Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge 272 14.3.3 Technological Advancements in the Late 20th Century 273 14.3.4 The 21st-century Innovations 273 14.3.5 Global Policy and Advocacy 273 14.4 Components of RWH Systems 273 14.4.1 Catchment Area 274 14.4.2 Conveyance System 274 14.4.3 Filtration System 274 14.4.4 Storage Facility 275 14.4.5 Distribution System 275 14.5 RWH Techniques 275 14.5.1 Rooftop RWH 275 14.5.2 Surface Runoff Harvesting 276 14.5.3 Groundwater Recharge Systems 276 14.5.4 Rain Gardens and Bioswales 277 14.5.5 Storage Reservoirs and Ponds 277 14.5.6 Permeable Pavements 277 14.5.7 Check Dams and Contour Bunding 277 14.6 Benefits of RWH 278 14.6.1 Alleviating Water Scarcity 278 14.6.2 Reducing Groundwater Depletion 278 14.6.3 Mitigating Urban Flooding 278 14.6.4 Cost Savings 278 14.6.5 Environmental Benefits 278 14.6.6 Enhanced Water Quality 279 14.6.7 Supporting Agriculture 279 14.6.8 Climate Resilience 279 14.6.8.1 Regions with Increasing Rainfall 279 14.6.8.2 Regions with Declining Rainfall 279 14.6.8.3 Adaptability Across Extremes 280 14.6.9 Community Empowerment 280 14.6.10 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Preservation 280 14.7 Challenges in Implementing RWH 280 14.7.1 High Initial Costs 281 14.7.2 Maintenance and Operational Challenges 281 14.7.3 Water Quality Concerns 281 14.7.4 Limited Awareness and Education 281 14.7.5 Space Constraints in Urban Areas 282 14.7.6 Dependence on Rainfall Patterns 282 14.8 Global Success Stories of RWH 282 14.8.1 Singapore: The NEWater Initiative 282 14.8.2 Australia: The City of Toowoomba 282 14.8.3 Germany: The Town of Emsdetten 283 14.8.4 South Africa: The Cape Town Initiative 283 14.8.5 United States: The City of Berkeley, California 283 14.9 Indian Success Stories of RWH 284 14.9.1 State-wide Implementation (Tamil Nadu) 284 14.9.2 The Village of Alwar (Rajasthan) 284 14.9.3 The City of Bangalore (Karnataka) 285 14.9.4 Success of Traditional Methods (Kerala) 285 14.9.5 RWH in Pune (Maharashtra) 285 14.10 Conclusion and Future Directions 285 14.10.1 Integration with Technology and Circular Water Use 286 14.10.2 Policy, Public–Private Partnerships, and Community Models 286 14.10.3 A Climate-resilient Future 286 References 286 15 Global Water Availability and Its Consumption in a Changing Climate: Management Strategies 291 15.1 Introduction 291 15.2 Global Water Availability and Consumption 292 15.3 Interrelationship Between Water Scarcity and Climate Change 294 15.3.1 Rising Temperature 294 15.3.2 Changing Precipitation Pattern 295 15.3.3 Inland Surface Water 295 15.3.4 Groundwater Depletion 296 15.3.5 Management Strategies for Water Scarcity in Changing Climatic Conditions 296 15.3.6 Integrated Water Resources Management 296 15.3.7 Desalination and Water Recycling 298 15.3.8 Policies and Governance Initiatives 299 15.4 Case Studies 300 15.4.1 India: Water Scarcity and Management Strategies 300 15.4.2 African Countries: The Challenge of Water Insecurity 300 15.4.3 European Countries: Issue of Water Stress 301 15.5 Conclusion 302 References 302 16 Rainwater Harvesting: Strategies for Combating Water Scarcity 311 16.1 Introduction 311 16.1.1 RWH Technologies 315 16.1.2 Potential of RWH Technology 317 16.1.3 Benefits, Limitations, and Challenges of RWH Technology 318 16.1.4 Necessity of RWH in India in Recent Times 319 16.2 Hypothetical Case Study on Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting in Bengaluru City 319 16.2.1 Problem Statement 320 16.2.2 Study Area 320 16.2.3 Case Study Description 321 16.2.3.1 Annual Water Requirement 321 16.2.3.2 Rainwater Collection Potential 322 16.2.3.3 Potential of RWH on an Annual Basis 322 16.3 Summary and Conclusion 324 References 324 17 Restoration Strategies for Rivers and Wetlands Affected by Overextraction of Water 331 17.1 Introduction 331 17.2 Rivers and Wetlands Affected by Overextraction 332 17.2.1 Hydrological Alterations 333 17.2.1.1 Reduced Streamflow 333 17.2.1.2 Drop in Groundwater Level 334 17.2.1.3 Increasing Frequency of Drought 335 17.2.1.4 Changes in Sediment Transport 335 17.2.1.5 Decreased Water Quality: As Flows Decline, the Pollutant Concentrations Increase, Impacting Drinking Water Sources and Aquatic Habitats 337 17.2.2 Ecological Consequences 338 17.2.2.1 Plan to Reduce Damage to Wildlife Habitats by Reducing Water Overextraction 338 17.2.2.2 Decreased Water Purification and Flood Control 338 17.2.2.3 Alteration of Migration Patterns 339 17.2.3 Socioeconomic Impacts 339 17.2.3.1 Decrease in Fisheries and Agricultural Productivity 340 17.2.3.2 More Water Conflicts in Related Disciplines 341 17.2.3.3 Ecosystem Services Loss 341 17.3 Restoration Strategies 341 17.3.1 Hydrological Restoration 342 17.3.1.1 Environmental Flow Release 342 17.3.2 Ecological Engineering Strategies 344 17.3.2.1 Wetland Restoration and Creation 344 17.3.2.2 Riparian Buffer Zones 344 17.3.2.3 Bioengineering Techniques 345 17.3.3 Policy and Regulatory Actions 345 17.3.3.1 Restoration Strategies for Water Resources from Overextraction 345 17.3.3.2 Water Allocation Policies 345 17.3.4 Integrated Water Resources Management 347 17.3.4.1 Watershed Management Plans 347 17.3.4.2 Stakeholder Engagement 347 17.3.5 Legislative Frameworks 348 17.4 Case Studies of Successful Restoration Efforts 348 17.4.1 Case Study 1: The Murray–Darling Basin, Australia 348 17.4.2 Case Study 2: Aral Sea Restoration, Kazakhstan 348 17.4.3 Medina del Campo Groundwater Body, Spain 349 17.5 Challenges and Future Perspectives 349 17.6 Conclusion 350 References 350 Index 353
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Subject Areas: Science: general issues [PD]
