The United States and Mexico have reached a historic agreement to secure water deliveries from the Rio Grande River, addressing growing water scarcity in the southern US and ensuring more reliable supplies for the parched region. This agreement, reached after 18 months of negotiations, provides Mexico with greater flexibility in water deliveries, potentially easing tensions and preventing future shortages.
MediSun Energy and MOAJ Holding have announced the formation of MediSun Arabia, a joint venture focused on bringing innovative energy solutions and tackling water scarcity in Saudi Arabia. This strategic partnership includes a USD 30 million investment from MOAJ Holding to establish a manufacturing facility and co-develop a Saudi Brine Management Program, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.
The South African bottled water market is poised for significant growth, driven by factors like increasing urbanization, health consciousness, and water scarcity. This report analyzes the market’s trends, key players, and challenges, highlighting the role of AI in driving innovation and market evolution.
India is set to revise its National Water Policy to address pressing water challenges, including depleting groundwater levels and extreme weather events fueled by climate change. The revision, delayed due to various bottlenecks, will be discussed with the new water resources minister to chart a path forward. The event will also see participation from 40 countries, including representatives from the World Water Council, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank.
Greece, facing escalating water shortages due to drought and rising tourism, is investing heavily in new dam construction to secure its water future. With 18 new dams under construction and 14 more planned, the country aims to address agricultural needs, energy production, and flood control while ensuring sustainable water management for its booming tourism industry.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has stated that his government has no role in addressing Delhi’s water crisis. Despite Delhi’s request for surplus water from Himachal Pradesh, Sukhu claims that the state has no surplus water to provide. Meanwhile, Delhi Water Minister Atishi accuses Haryana of withholding Delhi’s share of water, leading to a decline in water production in the national capital. The Supreme Court has directed the Upper Yamuna River Board to resolve the issue, but Himachal Pradesh insists it has no involvement in the matter.
The water crisis in Delhi is worsening, with citizens resorting to desperate measures to collect water. In Chanakyapuri, people have been seen climbing atop water tankers to collect water in buckets for their daily needs. Delhi Water Minister Atishi has accused Haryana of reducing water flow to the city, alleging a conspiracy against the people of Delhi. The Supreme Court is hearing the matter and is expected to hold a meeting of the Upper Yamuna River Board. Delhi is dependent on the Yamuna for its entire water supply, and the reduction in water flow from Haryana is affecting the city’s water treatment plants and supply.
Despite pledges of $3.36 billion in international and local flood relief funding, Pakistan has only disbursed 29.4% as of May, hindering recovery efforts. Punjab boasts 100% financial progress, while Balochistan lags with only 1.7% utilization. The floods, affecting 33 million people, caused widespread damage to water systems and infrastructure, leaving millions reliant on contaminated water. Pakistan, ranked 5th most vulnerable to climate change, faces increasing risks of extreme weather events, according to a UN report.
Spain’s ongoing drought has wreaked havoc on the country’s tourism industry, particularly in regions heavily reliant on tourism such as Catalonia, Andalusia, and the Balearic and Canary Islands. The lack of rainfall has exacerbated water shortages, putting pressure on both local communities and businesses. The tourism industry, known for its water-intensive practices, is now facing calls to reduce its consumption. Activists and experts argue that non-essential water use in the tourism sector, such as filling swimming pools, should be curtailed during times of drought. Despite the severity of the situation, measures taken to reduce water consumption in the industry have been limited, highlighting the need for stricter water management regulations. The government’s policies have also come under scrutiny, with critics accusing them of prioritizing the interests of the tourism industry over those of local residents.
New Mexico environmental officials are initiating regulations to govern the treatment and reuse of oil industry fracking water, addressing the state’s water scarcity issues and the oil industry’s dwindling options for wastewater disposal. Protestors express concerns about undisclosed contaminants, while oil producers and water service providers request specific water quality standards. Despite the governor’s proposal to invest in treated water from oil and gas drilling, protestors denounce the reuse of toxic wastewater outside the oil field.
