Why Your Water Tap Might Go Dry—And What You Can Do About It
Have you ever turned on your tap and nothing came out?
Maybe it was just a glitch. A temporary outage. But for over 2 billion people worldwide, that silence isn’t unusual—it’s a daily reality. No water to cook. No water to bathe. No water to drink. This isn’t just happening “somewhere else.” Water scarcity is creeping into our cities, towns, and everyday lives. Today, we will shed some light on water scarcity and how to fight the global water crisis.
“If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart.”
— Arabian Proverb
The Global Crisis of Water Scarcity in Every Drop
Water scarcity means there isn’t enough clean, safe water to meet basic needs. But it’s not just about droughts or dry riverbeds. It’s about broken infrastructure, polluted sources, and overuse of what was once plentiful.
Globally, 1 in 4 people lack access to safely managed clean water and sanitation, according to the United Nations. That’s more than two billion people who wake up each day without clean water in their homes, says UN Water.
And the consequences of the scarcity of water? Children are missing school. Women walking miles just to fetch a bucket. Hospitals are unable to maintain hygiene. Crops dying. Lives lost.
“When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.”
— Benjamin Franklin
What is Water Scarcity and What Are Its Main Causes?
If Earth is mostly water, how can we not have enough? Now the question arises - what are the causes of water shortage? Let us give three causes of water shortage to understand this question better:
Climate change – More droughts, less predictable rainfall, and faster evaporation.
Pollution – Factories, farms, and human waste are contaminating the water we do have.
Overuse and poor planning – From long showers to inefficient farming, we’re using more water than nature can replenish.
In short, demand for water is growing, but supply through natural water resources is shrinking. This is one of the main causes of water scarcity and water shortage.
A Global Problem with Local Pain
Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia are among the worst-hit regions. But water stress is not confined to the Global South. In 2018, Cape Town nearly became the first major city to run out of water. California faces ongoing droughts. Even the European Union issued warnings about water shortages in 17 member states in recent years.
The takeaway? No one is immune.
“When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.”
— Benjamin Franklin
Water Scarcity Threatens Clean Water and Sanitation for All
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6 promises clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. But the impact of water scarcity on clean water and sanitation makes this promise harder to keep.
When water is scarce, sanitation suffers. Toilets don’t flush. Hospitals can’t disinfect. Handwashing becomes a luxury. And diseases like cholera and typhoid return. According to UNICEF, more children die every year from unsafe water than from violence in conflict zones UNICEF.
Fairaction Appears: Fighting for Water Justice in Rural Areas
One organization standing in the gap is Fairaction—a nonprofit committed to ethical, sustainable solutions to global problems, including water poverty.
Fairaction supports community-led clean water projects, educates the public about water rights, and pushes for policy changes that prioritize long-term water sustainability.
You can learn more about our mission here and even sponsor a water project directly to help families gain permanent access to safe drinking water. Fairaction doesn’t just work on water—we make it personal, practical, and permanent.
“When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.”
— Benjamin Franklin
What Can Be Done About Water Scarcity?
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t. Every action counts. Here’s how you can help:
Fix leaks & conserve: A single dripping tap can waste over 3,000 gallons per year.
Reuse water when possible—especially for gardens and cleaning.
Choose water-efficient appliances and farming methods.
Support clean water initiatives and NGOs like Fairaction doing the hard work in the world’s most vulnerable places.
Advocate for water-smart policies in your city or country.
Educate your family and friends—start the ripple effect.
You can also explore more sustainable water solutions from the UN here.
Let’s Make Water Personal Again
Water is life. It’s what connects us all. So the next time you sip, bathe, wash, or flush, pause and ask yourself the question - what is water scarcity, and what if your actions may affect someone’s life? Not everyone can. And then ask: What can I do so others can have this too?
You don’t need to be a policymaker to understand the causes of water scarcity or make a difference. You just need to care—and to act. Because when the well runs dry, it’s too late to realize the value of clean water and sanitation.
Want to be a part of the change? Donate to a clean water charity or sponsor a project with Fairaction now!