Water Security: The capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable quality water for sustaining livelihoods, human wellbeing, and socioeconomic development, for ensuring protection against water-borne pollution and water-related disasters, and for preserving ecosystems in a climate of peace and political stability (from UN Water). Reduced water security is an impact of climate change.
Water security refers to the availability, access, use, and management of water resources in a way that ensures sustainable development, human well-being, and environmental protection. It encompasses both the quantity and quality of water, as well as the equitable distribution and efficient use of water for various purposes, including domestic, agricultural, industrial, and ecological needs.
Key aspects of water security include:
Adequate Supply: Water security ensures that there is a reliable and sufficient supply of water to meet the needs of people, ecosystems, and economic activities. This involves managing water resources to address both current and future demands.
Access: Water security emphasises equitable access to clean and safe drinking water and sanitation services for all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location. Lack of access to clean water can lead to health issues and hinder socio-economic development.
Quality: Water security also entails ensuring that water resources are of acceptable quality for their intended uses. Contaminated or polluted water can pose health risks and harm ecosystems.
Sustainability: Water security promotes the sustainable use and management of water resources to avoid overexploitation, depletion, and degradation. Sustainable practices aim to balance water extraction with natural replenishment and ecosystem needs.
Resilience: Water security involves building resilience to water-related challenges, such as droughts, floods, and climate change impacts. It requires effective planning, infrastructure, and policies to manage and respond to these challenges.
Governance and Management: Effective water governance and management are essential for achieving water security. This includes policies, regulations, institutions, and decision-making processes that promote efficient and equitable water allocation and use.
Ecosystem Health: Water security recognises the importance of maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems, such as rivers, lakes, wetlands, and coastal areas. These ecosystems provide vital services, including water purification, habitat for biodiversity, and flood regulation.
Cross-Sectoral Approach: Water security involves integrating water management with other sectors, such as agriculture, energy, and urban planning, to ensure coordinated and sustainable development.
Local and Global Considerations: Water security is relevant at both local and global scales. Local communities need access to reliable water sources, while global cooperation is required to address transboundary water issues and shared water resources.
Achieving water security is a critical component of sustainable development and is closely linked to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including those related to clean water and sanitation, poverty reduction, health, food security, and climate action. Ensuring water security is essential for fostering resilient communities, protecting ecosystems, and promoting social and economic well-being.
