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Introduction

Water is the natural resource which is vital for the sustenance of life on earth. Water enables the proliferation of species, without which life would cease to exist. Though it seems to be available in abundance, increasing water pollution and the exponential rise in population has led us to the brink of water scarcity. (Pereira et al., 2009) Water scarcity is the insufficiency of water to a particular geographic region, wherein the water needs of the people cannot be met. It is a combination of three major issues – Water stress, shortage, and crisis. Water scarcity could occur either as a result of a naturally disadvantaged land form that does not have adequate water resources, or due to poor management of the existing water sources. Many reasons can be attributed to water scarcity, such as inaccessibility of safe potable water, improper sanitation, excessive use of groundwater which has led to the depletion of the water table, and regional conflicts making water a political issue. On a broader perspective, global climate change can also be attributed to the changing trends of water scarcity across the globe. (Power et al., 2005)

Water scarcity is a scary issue which needs serious and immediate attention. In comparison with the rest of the world, Australia has the least amount of water resources and is the driest continent in the world. Though shows a large diversity in natural habitat, from tropical rainforests to deserts, as has a relatively lower population, the water crisis of Australia is an issue of concern. (Rijsberman, 2004) It has a definite impact on the industrial and economical development of the country. This essay talks about the emerging worldwide scarcity of water resources, its impact in Australia, and the preventive and substitutive measures that have been taken to overcome this problem. It also recommends ideal measures to address the global issue of water scarcity.

Water Scarcity in Australia

Australia, as the sixth largest inhabited landmass on earth, has a serious issue of drought or water scarcity since long, which has resulted in widespread modifications in lifestyle and habitation. (Chartres & Williams, 2006) The unprecedented water crisis that have occurred have resulted in drying up of major rivers and water bodies, agricultural crop failures leading to food shortage, increased economical burden, energy shortage and a high risk of increasing global conflicts. Water shortage affects not only humans, but plants, livestock and wildlife alike. In Australia in the years 2012 to 2014, there was a severe reduction in the annual rainfall, which has been the cause of widespread drought, and economical slowdown. (Postel, 2000)

Water scarcity in Australia can be attributed to a variety of reasons, the main issue being the erratic pattern of rainfall. This leads to the insufficient water storage in the waiter sources and catchments, leading to poor water distribution. Another main reason for water scarcity is the climate change, which is a concern that has been discussed and deliberated upon many times in the recent past. In fact, the changing pattern of rainfall from regular to erratic in a few parts of the world leading to droughts, and vice versa in other parts causing unprecedented floods is one of the main effects of climate change. (Vaux & Howitt, 1984 )

Many major economical zones such as Brisbane, Tasmania, Queensland, etc. have been severely affected by droughts in the recent times. This has led to population saturation near the coastal regions of the country, which in turn affects the resource distribution. To prevent further damages caused by water scarcity, measures must be taken to conserve water. However, the main issue of recurrent droughts and constant water crisis can be combated only if the root cause of climate change is addressed. (Brooks & Harris, 2008)

Measures Taken to Combat Water Scarcity in Australia

As water scarcity is an issue looming large in the island continent of Australia, the government has taken strong measures in an attempt to conserve the existing resources and make them accessible to all. One of the main moves is the imposition of water restrictions, which extends to limiting the usage of water in industrial and domestic purposes. The areas warranted for water restrictions vary with their availability of natural resources, population, and economical importance. It is categorized into various levels, ranging from 1 to 8, with 8 being the highest level of restrictions that can be imposed. Common restrictions include limitations or a total ban on cleaning of cars, windows and hard surfaces such as floors and roads. (Pereira et al., 2009)

Rainwater harvesting is an ideal measure which can be implemented in countries which have issues with drought. It involves collecting and accumulating rain water when rainfall occurs, and using it during the dry spells. Though there are issues regarding the quality of the water collected, the use of advanced technologies has facilitated purification of the harvested water and its use for potable purposes. (Qureshi et al., 2013) Another method which can be implemented to conserve the water resources is the desalination of the sea water. This method could be of a great use in Australia, as it has access to seawater in abundance. However, there are a lot of internal political issues which delay the arrival of a suitable consensus in the water issue. (McKay, 2005)

Conclusion

Water scarcity is an issue which has created havoc in the life of the people of Australia. However, it must be noted that the issue is not restricted to Australia alone, but to the entire global fraternity at large. Measures to save water and prevent the potential problems due to drought such as water restrictions hamper the life of a lot of people, where there is inability to lead a quality life. Despite all the inconveniences, it is important to note that the issue of global climate change is a serious one, and if measures to conserve the environment are not taken now, it would be too late to save Australia and the entire world from the consequences of natural disasters.

It is mandatory to take adequate steps to prevent the issues that occur due to water scarcity, and to take radical measures in combating the global crisis of climate change.

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