What do we see?
The graph shows the number of people affected by water stress and water scarcity, measured up to 2020 and forecast in 2030 in Belgium. The total number of people affected increases over time. The forecast also indicates an intensification of water shortage: in particular, the number of people facing water shortage will increase sharply. An absolute water scarcity (less than 500 m³ per person) does not feature in the forecast.
What’s the aim?
The increasing amount of built-up area and the associated degree of paving disrupt the natural water cycle and is one of the causes for the observed and predicted increase in water scarcity. These phenomena are mainly occurring in Flanders. A smaller area of paved land could contribute to less water scarcity, as could measures to promote the permeability of the built-up surface and the infiltration of rainwater.
What does this indicator measure?
This indicator shows how many people in Belgium are affected by water scarcity and shortage. The data for this indicator comes from World Data Lab. The basis of the data is the availability of water per person in a country or region. Water stress is defined by an availability of water between 1000 and 1700 m³ per person; water scarcity refers to an availability of water between 500 and 1000 m³ per person; absolute water scarcity refers to an availability of less than 500 m³ per person.
