Water Unites

i Water scarcity analyzed
For many years, experts, journalists and politicians have warned us about water scarcity. But
what does this mean exactly?
First, scarcity is a relative phenomenon. It is the relation between the available water
and the existing demands. While there is generally enough water in the world, its regional and
seasonal distribution is uneven, so that in many areas and in certain periods of the year, many
people experience a shortage of fresh water. And with population growth and climate change,
these numbers will only grow.
Scientists developed different methods for measuring water scarcity. The best-known is
probably the so-called Falkenmark Water Stress Index. It is based on the amount of renewable
water per capita. If less than 1 700 m³ per year per person is available, people experience water
stress. Less than 1 000 m³ per capita is classified as chronic water scarcity and less than 500 m³
as absolute water scarcity. The map below shows that, according to this assessment, Central
Asia experiences neither water stress nor chronic or absolute water scarcity, though Afghanistan,
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are considered vulnerable, as their water availability is less than
2 500 m³ per person.
Freshwater availability
cubic meters
per person
and per year, 2007
684000
70000
15000
6000
2500
1700
1000
0
Although this indicator is widely used and can provide a general picture of physical water availability,
it has some shortcomings. The water availability per person is calculated as an average
and neglects uneven water distribution within a country or shortages in certain seasons. It
does not account for the quality of water, which can significantly reduce the amount of actual
available clean water, nor does it give information about a country’s regulations for management,
which are crucial for de facto access to water.
A broader indicator is the Rural Water Livelihoods In dex (RWLI), which was developed
by the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) in 2009. Its objective is to assess
Water management in Central Asia – the legacies of the past
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