Geospatial indicators of emerging water stress: an application to Africa.
This study demonstrates the use of globally available Earth system science data sets for water assessment in otherwise information-poor regions of the world. Geospatial analysis at 8 km resolution shows that 64% of Africans rely on water resources that are limited and highly variable. Where available, river corridor flow is critical in augmenting local runoff, reducing impacts of climate variability, and improving access to freshwater. A significant fraction of cropland resides in Africa's driest regions, with 39% of the irrigation nonsustainable. Chronic overuse and water stress is high for 25% of the population with an additional 13% experiencing drought-related stress once each generation. Paradoxically, water stress for the vast majority of Africans typically remains low, reflecting poor water infrastructure and service, and low levels of use. Modest increases in water use could reduce constraints on economic development, pollution, and challenges to human health. Developing explicit geospatial indicators that link biogeophysical, socioeconomic, and engineering perspectives constitutes an important next step in global water assessment.
Vörösmarty
Charles J
CJ
Water Systems Analysis Group, Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space, University of New Hampshire, Durham 03824, USA. charles.vorosmarty@unh.edu
Douglas
Ellen M
EM
Green
Pamela A
PA
Revenga
Carmen
C
D000349:Africa; D004190:Disasters; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D011634:Public Health; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014881:Water Supply