Water shortages may be caused by climate change, such as altered weather patterns including droughts or floods, increased pollution, and increased human demand and overuse of water. … Water scarcity is being driven by two converging phenomena: growing freshwater use and depletion of usable freshwater resources.

What are the main causes of water scarcity?

Shortage of water for a sustained period is called water scarcity. Growing population, over-exploitation and unequal distribution of water among social groups are the main causes of water scarcity.

What are the causes and effects of water scarcity?

Some of the contributing factors to water scarcity are climate change, water overuse, and increased pollution. Many areas around the globe are affected by this phenomenon, and about 2.7 billion people experience water scarcity each and every year.