Water quality decline threatens to worsen global scarcity by 2100

Researchers at Utrecht University have released a study published in the journal Clean Water, warning that deteriorating water quality combined with insufficient supplies will significantly exacerbate global water scarcity. The findings suggest that by 2100, nearly 67% of the global population could face severe shortages of potable water.

The study emphasizes that water scarcity is driven by more than just volume; the interaction between climate change and declining water quality will intensify competition between domestic, agricultural, livestock, industrial, and energy sectors. Specifically, the manufacturing and thermoelectric power sectors are expected to see a 20% increase in water shortages relative to their demands, largely due to rising water temperatures increasing the need for industrial cooling.

While population growth may stabilize in regions like Europe and the United States, researchers note that water shortages remain a threat. The study calls for integrated water management strategies that address both quantity and quality to mitigate growing global competition for freshwater resources.