About this Research Topic

Background

Water scarcity refers to inadequate availability of water. It is engendered either by natural causes (aridity, drought, hydrogeology etc.), by a lack of water-supply infrastructure, or by mismanagement of water resources. Water scarcity affects the domestic, agricultural, and industrial sectors, and may lead to socio-economic unrest. Numerous important cities across the globe – such as Cape Town, Chennai, Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Perth – have experienced severe instances of water scarcity. It is feared that, in the instance of severe water scarcity persisting, many cities will become abandoned ghost metropolis in the future. The challenge to mitigate water scarcity is many folds. Is it possible to control population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and rise in water demand? What will happen under the threat of climate change? Water is the essence of life, and the most essential need for human civilization. Therefore, for life and civilization to strive, solving the issue of water scarcity represents the only solution.

In combating water scarcity, identification of (i) water-scarce and vulnerable regions, (ii) spatial and temporal variation in water scarcity, and (iii) its causes, impacts, and associated risks is of paramount importance. Subsequently, it is crucial to arrest the rise in water demand, to efficiently manage existing water resources, and to enhance water reserves. Such measures require adequate planning, strategy building, and policy making, and their ultimate goal is that of transforming water-deficient zones into water-sufficient regions. This can be achieved through development and application of appropriate strategies, including reactive, corrective, and proactive measures, as well as adaptation to smaller quantities of water. Scientific research, technological innovation, and implementation of plans and policies can help achieve this goal. The strategies, measures, plans and policies may vary from place to place, but the goal remains the same – a society that is free from the plague of water scarcity.

This Research Topic aims to explore various possible solutions to the water scarcity problem, rather than identifying regions and nature (physical or economic) of water scarcity. Manuscripts focusing on and discussing technological innovation, strategic measures, field experiments, and policy framework aimed at water scarcity mitigation are most welcome. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to:

(1) Innovative techniques;
(2) Application of advanced technologies;
(3) Policy making;
(4) Modern irrigation practices;
(5) Aquifer storage and recovery or Groundwater banking;
(6) Rainwater harvesting;
(7) Due harvesting;
(8) Runoff capturing;
(9) Water-loss reduction;
(10) Water treatment, recycling and reuse;
(11) Applications of AI, IOT, Data Informatics;
(12) River linking; and,
(13) Smart City design.

Any other topics related to solutions to the water-scarcity issue are also welcome. Article types that are most welcome include Original Research articles based on field investigation, in-situ/ex-situ experiments, data analysis, and/or modelling, as well as Policy and Practice Reviews, and Policy Briefs. Novel and innovative ideas as well as regional case studies on water-scarcity eradication are also welcome.

Keywords: Water scarcity, water sustainability, water security, water-smart city, water scarcity policy

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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