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Extending Natural Limits to Address Water Scarcity? The Role of Non-Conventional Water Fluxes in Climate Change Adaptation Capacity: A Review

Author

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  • Sandra Ricart

    (Water and Territory Research Group, Interuniversity Institute of Geography, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
    Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Environmental Intelligence for Global Change Lab, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy)

  • Rubén A. Villar-Navascués

    (Water and Territory Research Group, Interuniversity Institute of Geography, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain)

  • Maria Hernández-Hernández

    (Water and Territory Research Group, Interuniversity Institute of Geography, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
    Laboratory of Climatology, Interuniversity Institute of Geography, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
    Department of Regional Geographic Analysis and Physical Geography, University of Alicante, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, 03690 Alicante, Spain)

  • Antonio M. Rico-Amorós

    (Water and Territory Research Group, Interuniversity Institute of Geography, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
    Laboratory of Climatology, Interuniversity Institute of Geography, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
    Department of Regional Geographic Analysis and Physical Geography, University of Alicante, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, 03690 Alicante, Spain)

  • Jorge Olcina-Cantos

    (Laboratory of Climatology, Interuniversity Institute of Geography, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
    Department of Regional Geographic Analysis and Physical Geography, University of Alicante, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, 03690 Alicante, Spain)

  • Enrique Moltó-Mantero

    (Water and Territory Research Group, Interuniversity Institute of Geography, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
    Laboratory of Climatology, Interuniversity Institute of Geography, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
    Department of Regional Geographic Analysis and Physical Geography, University of Alicante, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, 03690 Alicante, Spain)

Abstract

Water consumption continues to grow globally, and it is estimated that more than 160% of the total global water volume will be needed to satisfy the water requirements in ten years. In this context, non-conventional water resources are being considered to overcome water scarcity and reduce water conflicts between regions and sectors. A bibliometric analysis and literature review of 81 papers published between 2000 and 2020 focused on south-east Spain were conducted. The aim was to examine and re-think the benefits and concerns, and the inter-connections, of using reclaimed and desalinated water for agricultural and urban-tourist uses to address water scarcity and climate change impacts. Results highlight that: (1) water use, cost, quality, management, and perception are the main topics debated by both reclaimed and desalinated water users; (2) water governance schemes could be improved by including local stakeholders and water users in decision-making; and (3) rainwater is not recognized as a complementary option to increase water supply in semi-arid regions. Furthermore, the strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats (SWOT) analysis identifies complementary concerns such as acceptability and investment in reclaimed water, regulation (cost recovery principle), and environmental impacts of desalinated water.

Suggested Citation

  • Sandra Ricart & Rubén A. Villar-Navascués & Maria Hernández-Hernández & Antonio M. Rico-Amorós & Jorge Olcina-Cantos & Enrique Moltó-Mantero, 2021. "Extending Natural Limits to Address Water Scarcity? The Role of Non-Conventional Water Fluxes in Climate Change Adaptation Capacity: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-31, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:5:p:2473-:d:505532
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    References listed on IDEAS

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