Water, water, everywhere, not a drop to drink: Climate Change & India’s Water Stress

India is on the brink of a water crisis that could reshape life as we know it. Just as water makes up about 70% of our bodies, it’s also the lifeblood of our entire ecosystem and economy. Every aspect of our life depends on this critical resource that is under grave stress.

The World Resources Institute (WRI) reports that more than half of India is battling to access enough clean water, a challenge that’s only growing as our cities expand and populations soar. Climate change is amplifying the water challenges India faces, with rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and increased water demand all putting pressure on already scarce resources. It’s throwing the natural water cycle off balance, making it more difficult to predict rainfall and ensure a reliable supply. Meanwhile, our air and land are increasingly becoming dumping grounds for waste, further complicating the environmental landscape. The combination of these factors is intensifying the risks and highlighting the urgent need for sustainable water management.

Finding smart and sustainable ways to manage water in India has become more critical than ever in light of how the growing water stress in India. 

What is climate change doing to India’s Water Stress?

Rising Temperatures
Rising temperatures due to climate change are significantly impacting water quality in India, posing serious public health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children. The increase in temperature fosters the proliferation of harmful pathogens in freshwater sources, rendering water unsafe for consumption. Waterborne diseases, exacerbated by this contamination, are among the leading causes of mortality in children under five years old, underscoring the urgent need for improved water sanitation and public health measures.

Increasing Water Demand
As India's population continues to grow, so does the demand for water. The country, which houses 18 % of the world's population but only has 4% of its freshwater resources, is under immense pressure to meet the needs of its citizens. Agriculture, which employs approximately 45% of the population, is heavily reliant on water for irrigation. However, climate change is making agricultural practices increasingly vulnerable to water stress, as erratic rainfall patterns and rising temperatures affect crop yields and food security.

Inadequate Water Infrastructure
India's water infrastructure is plagued by ageing systems, poor maintenance, and significant losses due to leakages and theft. For example, Mumbai loses around 700 million liters of water daily due to leakages. Inadequate water infrastructure contributes to the unequal distribution of water resources, with some regions facing acute shortages while others experience wastage. Cities like Chennai this year ran out of their reservoir reserves and Bengaluru faced acute shortages as well. In Karnataka, the main reservoir is now at only 16% of its capacity. This marks the lowest water reserve level for March since 2019, a year when reservoir levels dwindled to 35%, causing severe water shortages.

Altered Rain Patterns and Waste Management
Climate change is altering rainfall patterns across India, leading to more intense and erratic precipitation. While increased rainfall can initially seem beneficial, it often results in severe challenges for waste management. Heavy rains can accelerate the decomposition of organic waste in landfills, producing leachate—a toxic liquid that can contaminate groundwater. This contamination poses a serious risk to drinking water supplies, especially in urban areas where landfills are often located near water sources. Furthermore, intense rainfall can displace waste, clogging sewers and exacerbating flooding conditions.

Drying up from the inside: Impacts of climate change on groundwater

India is the largest extractor of groundwater globally, accounting for around 25% of the world's groundwater extraction. Excessive withdrawal has led to the alarming depletion of aquifers, with water tables dropping by up to 4 meters in some areas. Northwest India is notably vulnerable, with 58% of the 550 wells studied in the region showing declining groundwater levels. Groundwater plays a pivotal role, with 99% of usable freshwater supporting 1.5–3 billion people as a drinking water source and 60–70% for irrigation. Climate change, with temperature increases and altered precipitation patterns, directly impacts groundwater systems, affecting recharge, discharge, and temperature. While increased rainfall can enhance groundwater recharge, the benefits are not uniform across the country. In regions where the soil is already saturated or where urbanization has led to impermeable surfaces, excess rainfall can lead to runoff rather than infiltration. This runoff can carry pollutants into water bodies, degrading water quality. Moreover, in areas where groundwater is over-extracted, the benefits of increased rainfall may not be sufficient to replenish aquifers, leading to long-term water stress. 

Solutions to alleviate water stress

In a bid to tackle water waste management, India launched a community-led groundwater management program, the Atal Bhujal Yojana. The project aims to improve rural livelihoods and build resilience in 7 Indian states which have the highest rates of groundwater depletion.

Between 2006 and 2015, the World Bank-funded Uttarakhand Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project improved access to sustainable water supply and sanitation services for over 1.57 million people across underserved areas in the state. The project focused on building disaster-resilient infrastructure and strengthening institutional capacity, including empowering village communities. Given Uttarakhand’s vulnerability to flash floods, earthquakes, and landslides, these measures were crucial. In the face of climate change, policymakers must adopt a comprehensive approach to water management, recognizing the interconnectedness of water, agriculture, and energy systems in India.

Other effective strategies could include:

1. Improving Water Management: Implementing community-led groundwater management programs, such as the Atal Bhujal Yojana, which aims to educate communities about sustainable water use
2. Disaster Preparedness: Developing robust disaster preparedness plans that address both acute and chronic water stress, ensuring that infrastructure can withstand extreme weather events
3. Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Encouraging agricultural practices that conserve water and adapt to changing climatic conditions, thereby enhancing resilience in the agricultural sector
4. Investing in Technology: Utilizing technology for better water resource management, including rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment, and efficient irrigation systems.

Addressing the impacts of climate change on India’s water resources is critical for ensuring the health and well-being of its population, as well as for sustaining its economic growth. By implementing integrated water management strategies and fostering community engagement, India can navigate the complexities of water stress and build a more resilient future.