Global Water Demand May More Than Double by 2050, Risking Supplies

First Posted: Jan 26, 2016 10:58 AM EST
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Pressure may be building on global water supplies. Scientists have found that if current trends continue, domestic and industrial water demand may more than double by the year 2050, and continue to increase after that.

"Our current water use habits increase the risk of being unable to maintain sustainable food production and economic development for the future generation," said Yoshihide Wada, one of the researchers, in a news release. "We need strong social, financial and political commitments to reduce future water use."

Estimating future water use is difficult, since it's influenced by many factors, including population growth, climate change and economic growth. In this latest study, the researchers combined multiple models with input from water managers and other experts on local and global water issues.

"Our multi-model framework also provides a possible range of future water use," said Wada. "This can be used to develop different types of management and policy options that are needed to understand the extent of water resource challenges faced around the world."

The new study provides an overview of different approaches assessing water demand, and the uncertainty, strengths and weaknesses of the various estimation methods.

With that said, the study does show that domestic and industrial water demand may more than double by the year 2050, and continue to increase after that. This, in particular, highlights the importance of restricting water use and implementing policies and new technologies in order to conserve water.

The findings are published in the journal Geosci. Model Dev.

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