A Thirst for Economic Growth

 Although socio-economic factors create water problems, they can be countered with better water management.

Between 1961 and 2014, the rate of global freshwater withdrawal (whether from ground or underground reservoirs) increased 2.5 times.

According to WRI, water demand for crop irrigation has doubled in the last half century and irrigation accounts for about 67 percent of water used. In 2014, industry requires nearly three times as much water as in 1961 and now accounts for 21 percent of total water use.

Although domestic water consumption accounts for 10 percent of total water use, it has increased sixfold since 1961. And very little water is used for animal consumption.

But crops grown for animal feed consume 12 percent of the world's irrigation system. That's why experts believe that by reducing the growing demand for animal meat, we can reduce the pressure on water resources.

Hofstede says that this is the only way to solve the global water problems. "We use a lot of agricultural land to feed animals and if you look at it in terms of transferring resources into calories, it's not the most efficient way."

A 2012 study found that the production of any animal-based product for human consumption uses more water than that of plant-based products, even if the two are of equal nutritional value.

Weather and War

Several United Nations agencies have warned that water supply will become uncertain in many places due to climate change. The World Health Organization says that due to rising temperatures and unpredictable rains, crop losses will also be seen and food security is a major problem in many areas ahead.

According to the United Nations, if current trends continue, some arid and semi-arid regions will have to relocate 24 to 700 million people by 2030.

WRI says that in many areas where water is scarce and war is ongoing, water is one of the factors of war. These include Israel, Libya, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.

Many areas that receive large numbers of refugees, such as Jordan and Turkey, are also stressed by water problems for this reason.

However, the Aquaduct data also revealed that although socio-economic factors create water problems, they can be countered with better water management. An example of this is found in Singapore, where the country collects water from four different sources.

Meanwhile, Israel is also developing the best technology in terms of water management. Countries like India where these problems are occurring or are likely to occur need better water management to combat them, Hofstede says.

"Water problems can be a proxy indicator for you, not your fate," he says.