7A - Supply and Demand Mismatch
The growing mismatch between water supply and demand has led to a global pattern of water stress (below 1,700 m³ per person) and water scarcity (below 1000m³ per person.)
Accessible surface water is a scarce resource, under increasing pressure as a result of population growth and economic development. Many countries are experiencing water insecurity. This begins to exist when available water is less than 1,700 m cubed per person per day. This marks the start of water stress. Below 1000 m cubed per person per day gives way to water scarcity.
Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Syria are experiencing absolute scarcity (less than 500 m^3/person/day)
Countries like Syria, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya and Malawi are between 1000 and 500.
Much of east Africa, and India (and neighbours) are experiencing water stress. Even the UK and Spain are experiencing vulnerability.
The growing mismatch relates to the distribution of freshwater resources (water availability) and the distribution of the demand for water. These do not coincide - far from it, leading to water insecurity.