World Water Day 2026: “Water and Gender”

Most naturally occurring water is saltwater, which is unsuitable for daily use. Since freshwater accounts for only about three percent of the world’s water supply, and a significant portion of that is stored in glaciers, we speak of a water shortage—or, more precisely, a shortage of available freshwater.

The causes of water scarcity are manifold: a growing global population, unequal distribution of water resources, longer periods of drought, rising living standards, and reduced water quality—for example, due to fertilizers or chemicals. Many of these factors are further exacerbated by climate change.

In Germany, average daily water consumption per person ranges from 120 to 130 liters—and that doesn’t even include indirect water use. Most of those approximately 130 liters are used for personal hygiene, flushing toilets, and doing laundry.

Indirect water consumption refers to the amount of water required to produce a product throughout the entire manufacturing process. For example, meat consumption uses a significant amount of water—about 15,000 liters of water are used to produce one kilogram of beef. Indirect water consumption is often referred to as virtual water.

In some regions, water scarcity is more acute than in others, and many people lack access to clean drinking water. Often, the problem stems from geographical location and/or a lack of water resources. In some countries, it is due to a lack of infrastructure or environmental regulations. However, even popular vacation destinations often struggle with water shortages during the summer months because water consumption increases significantly during this time.