Many people take water from the tap for granted. However, it is becoming increasingly scarce in fast-growing cities around the world. A new study shows that poor people in particular are bearing the consequences.
Researchers involving the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig have investigated the situation in the Indian megacity of Pune. Their findings were published in Earth's Future.
Drought exacerbates social inequality
Many large cities are already struggling with water shortages. According to the study, up to half of the urban population could be affected by 2050. Cities such as Cape Town and Chennai show how quickly the situation can escalate. In Pune, millions of people live without safe access to tap water. The analysis shows that multi-year droughts greatly exacerbate the situation. Without political changes, there is a threat of drastic consequences.
The researchers write that "low-income residents can expect an increase in water costs and a drop in supply to almost half of the minimum requirement per person per day". Water could then cost up to a fifth of income. Such developments have also been documented internationally. Studies show that water crises often reinforce existing inequalities. Those who earn the least pay the most and receive the least.
