When will the world run out of fresh water?

Freshwater is one of the most essential resources for life on Earth, but also one of the most threatened. Although the planet is mostly covered by water, only a tiny fraction of it is fresh and accessible for human consumption. This limitation, combined with environmental and social factors, raises an urgent question: when could we run out of freshwater?

Growing consumption threatens fresh water worldwide

The global demand for freshwater has continued to grow. Currently, more than 70% of the resource is used for agriculture, while industry and domestic use consume a significant portion of the remainder. This sustained increase is directly related to population growth and economic development, especially in developing countries.

Furthermore, many aquifers are being exploited at a rate far greater than they need to recharge. Cities like Mexico City and Cairo are already facing severe problems due to the depletion of groundwater sources.

Adding to this scenario is the impact of climate change, which intensifies droughts, alters rainfall patterns, and reduces the flow of rivers and lakes essential for human supply.

What does science say?

According to data from the World Resources Institute , 33 countries are expected to face extremely high water stress by 2040. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that more than half of the world’s population could be living in water-stressed areas by 2050 if no action is taken.

This doesn’t mean that water will disappear from the planet, but rather that many people will lack sufficient access to safe, fresh water, which could trigger health, food, and social crises.

Water pollution: a silent threat

Beyond overexploitation, freshwater pollution represents one of the most urgent challenges. Agricultural fertilizers, industrial waste, urban waste, and plastics are deteriorating water sources at an alarming rate.

This contamination not only reduces the amount of drinking water available, but also increases treatment costs and endangers public health. In regions where water is already scarce, this type of contamination further exacerbates the water crisis.

The price of inaction

Freshwater scarcity has implications that go far beyond direct access to the resource. It affects food production, energy generation, and can lead to forced migration, social conflict, and millions in economic losses.

In countries where access to water is already limited, the most vulnerable are the first to suffer the consequences. Investing in solutions to water scarcity is not only an environmental issue, but also an economic and humanitarian one.

Solutions to shortages

Faced with this situation, technological innovation and efficient water management are key. Rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment, reducing losses in distribution networks, and shifting toward more efficient irrigation systems are some of the strategies underway.

Another emerging solution is the generation of water from air. This technology allows for the production of drinking water in a decentralized manner without relying on traditional water sources, a particularly valuable option in areas with difficult access or limited infrastructure.

GENAQ’s contribution

At GENAQ, we develop Atmospheric Water Generators ( AWGs ) capable of transforming ambient humidity into high-quality drinking water. This technology represents a sustainable and scalable solution to growing water scarcity, with applications in key sectors such as rural communities, humanitarian emergencies, industry, and healthcare.
Our equipment operates even in low humidity conditions and does not require expensive installations or water transportation. This makes it possible to bring safe water to places where it was previously almost impossible.

Freshwater scarcity is a problem affecting all continents and requires the collaboration of governments, businesses, and citizens. Although there is no exact date that marks the end of freshwater, the data is clear: the time to act is now.

With awareness, technology, and sustainable solutions like GENAQ’s, we still have time to guarantee access to this vital resource for present and future generations.