ADB: Asia Water Crisis Could Affect Economy

If the water crisis in Asia is not addressed it could be a significant setback to the region’s economic growth, according to Asian Development Bank (ADB).

ADB says there is a widening gap between demand and supply of water, and that the estimated gap, 40% by 2030, is a reasonable expectation.

In China, India and the Philippines, per capita availability of water per year has fallen below 1,700m³, the global threshold for water stress.

The water shortage could become more serious because 80% of Asia’s water is used for irrigation, which could have a serious bearing on food supplies in the region.

According to ADB, the efficiency in water usage in agriculture and industry has improved by only 1% a year since 1990, according to independent.co.uk.