Global water scarcity presents significant challenges:

1. **Population Growth**: Increasing populations strain existing water resources, leading to competition and shortages, particularly in arid and densely populated regions.

2. **Climate Change**: Alters precipitation patterns, leading to more frequent droughts and changes in water availability, exacerbating existing scarcity issues.

3. **Pollution**: Contaminates water sources through industrial, agricultural, and domestic waste, reducing the availability of clean water for consumption and sanitation.

4. **Infrastructure Issues**: Inefficient or outdated infrastructure leads to water loss and inadequate distribution, particularly in developing regions.

5. **Overexploitation**: Excessive withdrawal from rivers, lakes, and aquifers for agriculture and industry depletes water resources faster than they can be replenished.

Addressing these challenges requires integrated water management, investment in infrastructure, pollution control, and sustainable practices to ensure equitable and sustainable water use.