Water Stress Levels in the Middle East are the Worst in the World, Kuwait Tops the List
The availability of clean water has become one of the greatest operational and survival challenges across various parts of the world. Consumption levels in several regions have far exceeded nature’s capacity to replenish them.
According to 2022 data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), water stress is measured by the ratio of freshwater withdrawals to total renewable water resources. Countries with scores above 100% are indicated to be using more water than their natural supply, forcing them to rely on depleting groundwater reserves or desalination processes.
Extreme Water Deficits in the Middle East and North Africa
Several countries are currently operating by using 10 to 30 times more water than their natural supplies can sustain. Kuwait leads globally with a water stress level reaching 3,850% of its renewable water supply.
The United Arab Emirates follows in second place with 1,509.9%, indicating heavy reliance on desalination technology and non-renewable groundwater extraction. Saudi Arabia ranks third with 974.2%, followed by Libya and Qatar at 817.1% and 431% respectively.
These countries with the highest water stress levels are generally concentrated in the Middle East and North Africa region. The naturally extremely dry climate, combined with the presence of water-intensive agriculture industries, are the main factors significantly increasing pressure on water resource availability in the region.
The following is a breakdown of water stress levels by country, measured from the ratio of usage compared to natural supply availability.
Conditions in Asia, America, and Africa
Besides the Arabian Peninsula, water deficits also affect other regions on a more moderate scale but still exceeding sustainability limits. Pakistan and Jordan, for example, record water stress levels above the 100% threshold, at 110% and 105% respectively.
In comparison with the world’s major economic powers, China is recorded as using 41.5% of its renewable water resources, while the United States is at 28.2%, making it the 58th highest water stress country in the world.
On the other hand, countries with giant water reserves such as Papua New Guinea, Bolivia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo record negligible water stress levels. This condition is influenced by their relatively underdeveloped economic status, resulting in low industrial consumption.
For illustration, the Congo, home to 62% of the Congo Basin—the world’s second-largest river system—is the only country in this data with a water stress level of 0%.
Dependence on Artificial Water Infrastructure
Countries that have exceeded their natural water budget rely on alternative supplies to cover the deficit. One tactic used is the mining of fossil groundwater, a process of pumping water from very deep aquifer layers, where local rainfall is insufficient to recharge them.
This underground water mining practice not only occurs in the Middle East but is also widely used in the United States and China.
Another solution that is a mainstay for countries in arid regions is desalination technology, converting seawater or brackish water into potable consumption water.
Although the desalination process has historically required enormous energy and high costs, current technological advancements are making it more efficient and opening new investment opportunities in the sector.
Along with shifting global climate patterns and continuously rising demand, water availability is projected to become a strategic issue and a key determinant of a country’s economic growth direction in the coming years.