What would happen if we completely ran out of water?

Key Insights

Water scarcity is becoming an increasingly urgent issue worldwide. Even in developed countries, where access to water is often taken for granted, its importance is rising among both citizens and governments. Mytour highlights that water cannot be manufactured, so what will happen if it runs out? Ironically, despite our planet being 70% water, there's not enough clean, safe drinking water available to the global population. Only 3% of the Earth's water is freshwater, and less than 1% of that is easily accessible. The remaining water is locked away in ice forms like glaciers, icebergs, and snowcaps. This leaves the rivers, lakes, aquifers, and groundwater that must support the Earth's 6,602,224,175 people with less than 1% of the planet's total water [source: CIA].

This is crucial, as the world is currently experiencing what the United Nations refers to as a "water crisis." In some areas, the issue isn't the availability of water, but the lack of clean water. Every year, millions of people die from preventable diseases caused by drinking water from unsanitary sources [source: U.N]. In other regions, water itself is simply in short supply.

Water shortages can affect anyone, no matter where they live around the globe. It is perhaps humanity's most vital natural resource, as it sustains all other activities. It forms the foundation of economies, societies, and human existence.

The ongoing crisis stems from several factors, with one standing out: the surge in global population. As the population increases, so do the demands placed on water resources. Water is necessary to feed people, and agriculture relies on it to grow crops and raise livestock. This puts immense pressure on the naturally available water.

To ensure a steady water supply for its population, a government may decide to build a dam. However, dams come with their own set of challenges. Their large surface area leads to significant water loss through evaporation. Additionally, they act as unintentional collection points for natural salts found in freshwater. Over time, these salts accumulate, and when water from the dam is used for irrigation, it can poison cropland with high salt concentrations, leading to crop failure. This can have a ripple effect, harming not just the crops, but also the livestock that rely on the contaminated feed.

Rather than seeking new land to cultivate, farmers with damaged fields may migrate to cities in search of employment. The rapid growth of urban populations puts immense strain on public infrastructure, such as sewers. The poorest citizens may have no choice but to rely on untreated water, leading to unsanitary conditions. As industry booms with an influx of cheap labor, pollution would increase, further degrading water quality. In these circumstances, it wouldn't take long for the water supply to become contaminated, resulting in the death of aquatic life and further depleting the available food supply. Waterborne diseases, like diarrhea, would spread.

Is this likely? Not necessarily. However, people might resort to violence in an effort to prevent such a disastrous outcome. Keep reading to explore conflicts surrounding water rights.

Water Wars

In 1995, World Bank Vice President Ismail Serageldin predicted, "the wars of the next century will be fought over water" [source: Village Voice]. The most recent war fought over water took place 4,500 years ago in Mesopotamia, but conflicts over water have occurred since [source: Leslie]. The devastating conflict in Darfur, Sudan, which began in 2003 and claimed up to 400,000 lives, was partly driven by competition for a shrinking water supply [source: The Guardian].

The Darfur conflict began at the local level before spreading to affect an entire region. In other parts of the world, water scarcity can also cause tensions between neighboring nations. Water crosses national borders, making ownership difficult to define. As countries share common water sources, conflicts can arise when one country perceives another as taking more than its fair share.

This issue isn't confined to regions with neighboring countries, but also affects parts of the United States. In October 2007, a long-standing water dispute—often referred to as a 'water war'—erupted between the states of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. The water supply, crucial for Atlanta's 4.5 million residents and parts of Alabama and Florida, began to dwindle due to a severe drought, which caused tensions over water rights to escalate. Although the National Guards didn't clash, the governors engaged in a battle of words instead of military force.

Water distribution is uneven across the globe. While developing nations work tirelessly to provide water for their citizens, they often end up paying a higher price due to the extensive measures required to access it. In contrast, developed countries are able to invest in infrastructure that ensures a cheap and efficient water supply. This leads to water being perceived as more affordable and less valuable by residents in wealthier nations. For instance, while 12 gallons per day are required for a person to survive (covering all uses like drinking, sanitation, and food production), the average American consumes approximately 158 gallons [source: U.S. News and World Report].

This highlights a global divide over water access. This disparity could foster conflict and resentment between those with abundant water and those without. As access to clean water is increasingly recognized as a human right, water is becoming more of a luxury. For example, meat, which is associated with wealth, requires far more water to produce than grains. Growing a ton of grain requires 1,000 tons of water, while producing a ton of beef needs 15 times that amount [source: Leslie]. As water becomes more valuable, how will wealthy nations be viewed by those with limited or no access to it?

As water continues to grow in value, the likelihood of future disputes over its availability also increases. But can humanity overcome this impending crisis? Is it unavoidable that the lack of water will lead to pandemics, famine, and wars, shaping the history of the 21st century? Turn to the next page to discover potential solutions and hope for the future.

Water Supply Solutions

In one of the world's wealthiest nations, a small town in Tennessee experienced firsthand what it means to run out of water. In 2007, Orme, Tennessee, ran dry. Despite the challenges faced by the town's 145 residents, the community received support from their neighbors. The nearby town of New Hope, Alabama, allowed Orme to transport water from their supply to refill Orme's water tank. Additionally, New Hope permitted the installation of a two-mile-long pipeline connecting the two towns' water systems.

Further south, the water conflict in Atlanta is being addressed not through conflict, but via diplomatic efforts. In November 2007, the governors of Georgia, Florida, and Alabama—three states that share a common water source—gathered in Washington, D.C. to reach a water-use agreement. Similarly, in the western U.S., seven states relying on a shared water source engaged in negotiations. Such agreements are becoming more widespread globally. In the 20th century, 145 water treaties were established in regions like the Middle East and Asia, where water scarcity is a pressing issue [source: Leslie].

Technology could also play a vital role in securing sufficient water supplies. Agriculture accounts for 70% of global water use, but 42% of this water is wasted due to inefficient irrigation methods. Drip-irrigation systems, which are highly efficient—up to 95%—are gaining popularity [source: Energy Services]. Though these systems are typically more costly than traditional irrigation methods, some companies are finding ways to lower their cost, making them accessible to poorer countries that struggle with water shortages.

Desalination plants, which convert seawater into freshwater by removing salt, are already in use around the world. While the operation of these plants is expensive, the costs are expected to decrease in the future as the technology advances.

One potential approach to water conservation could involve cultivating crops that are less water-dependent. Bioengineers are working on genetically modified plants that might thrive without the need for artificial irrigation. While genetically modified foods might make some uneasy, the future of food may well be shaped in laboratories.

Not all solutions to the water crisis depend on technology. An alternative idea is to increase the perceived value of water. Making it a public utility (thus preventing for-profit companies from selling it) and raising its price could help reduce waste. When water becomes more expensive, people might become more conscious of its value, leading to greater conservation. Essentially, the higher the cost of water, the less likely a person would be to leave the tap running while brushing their teeth.

The current water crisis can be viewed from two different perspectives: optimism and pessimism. As water supplies continue to dwindle, conflicts may arise, and the threat of illness and death looms. However, the efforts to secure or restore water supplies have also fostered collaboration and innovation among governments. From this crisis, there is also room for hope.

For further details on water-related issues, refer to the next page.