City Limits: How Rapid Urbanization Threatens Our Water Supply
Imagine a vibrant city bustling with life, where every faucet, factory, and fountain relies on the same steady stream of water to stay afloat. According to the UN, 55% of the world’s population is living in these dynamic urban areas every day. Cities are the cultural hubs of countries all over the world, filled with opportunities and experiences that make them extremely desirable places to live.
As these cities grow, so does their thirst.
The increasingly urbanized state of our world means a surging demand for water, not only for drinking and sanitation but for industries and agriculture as well. With the strain placed on local sources, the destruction of the natural environment, and inadequate infrastructure, rapid urbanization often comes at the high price of clean water. However, by staying educated on these issues and taking small steps every day to conserve water, we can combat these costs together.
One of the most immediate pressures of urbanization on clean water access is the skyrocketing demand. Cities all over the globe are continuing to expand in both population and physical size, leading to higher water consumption for necessities like drinking and sanitation, as well as for businesses and institutions. Yet in 2021, the UN reported that the number of city inhabitants who lacked access to clean water globally had increased by 50% since 2000. This surge in demand has created an imbalance that has been disastrous in affected areas.
For example, from 2015-2018, the residents of Cape Town were living on just 13 gallons of water per person and quickly approaching “Day Zero”, the day when the city would be forced to turn off the taps for non-essential buildings. In 2014, Sao Paulo’s reservoirs were drained to a mere 5% capacity, which was expected to serve their population of 22 million, partly because the city consistently lost around 20% of its treated water due to poor infrastructure. These cases are far from uncommon, as the UN reports that many cities lack adequate water infrastructure and management to keep up with the ever-expanding population.
Additionally, informal settlements and “slums”, which are home to one in four urban dwellers as reported by the UN, typically lack basic water and sanitation services. This means that those living in urban poverty are at a much higher risk of being affected by waterborne diseases, and generally have lower-quality water to drink, wash, and cook with.
Urbanization also frequently brings increased pollution.
Cities frequently create high levels of residential and industrial waste, significantly impacting local water quality. According to the WHO, the lack of adequate sanitation infrastructure worsens this issue, allowing heavy metals, chemicals, and pathogens from untreated sewage to make their way into our water supply. Coastal cities face additional threats, where over-extraction of reservoirs can lead to saltwater seeping into freshwater. This further reduces the availability of freshwater and degrades its quality, rendering these sources unusable for everyday needs without extensive treatment.
Climate change acts as a force multiplier.
Despite 71% of Earth’s surface being covered by water, only 0.5% is actually usable – a figure that is diminished every year due to global warming. Rainfall is becoming increasingly unpredictable; extreme weather events are becoming more frequent; severe heat is causing glaciers to melt and sea levels to rise. All of these climate change-related events are greatly depreciating the small amount of usable water we have available.
Not only do urban areas face a higher risk of the impacts of climate change due to their massive populations, but they are a key contributor. In 2022, the UN estimated that urban areas were the culprits of 70% of all CO2 emissions globally, citing transport and buildings as the highest contributors. At the same time that cities need clean water, they are actively depleting it.
So, what can we do?
It starts with smarter choices today to ensure clean water tomorrow:
1. Smart Infrastructure:
The UN reports that 1 trillion gallons of clean water are lost every year due to poor infrastructure and management in America alone. If we invest in modern water systems and treatment plants, we will not only help sustainably meet the growing demands caused by urbanization, but create a lasting framework which will serve generations to come.
2. Use Water Wisely:
The UN states that 44% of household water is not being wisely managed – a huge factor of global water waste. To combat this, they advise to take shorter showers, regularly check your pipes and facilities for leaks, and be mindful of what you flush down your drain.
3. Protecting Our Resources:
Whether it’s planting trees to soak up rainwater or cleaning up trash along riverbanks, every act helps protect our water sources. By working together to keep our rivers and lakes clean, we safeguard the habitats of fish and wildlife, and preserve our natural resources.
4. Raising Awareness:
When communities understand how their actions affect local water quality, they can make informed choices that benefit everyone. Simply making an effort to educate those around you about the importance of clean water creates change, and inspires action within people all over the globe.
Improving the relationship between urbanization and clean water is challenging, but by working together, we can find and fund sustainable solutions. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in securing a sustainable water future for our cities.
Let’s imagine a future where clean water flows freely, where every child can drink from a tap without worry, and our rivers are swimming with life. It’s within our reach – if we act now to protect and preserve our most precious resource, we can ensure a brighter, healthier world for generations to come.
