Abstract
For the last two decades, water security has been in the spotlight as a key concept for sustainable development. However, due to its wide interpretation range, the understanding of what water security is and what it encompasses can change considerably with different perspectives. By means of a review of both academic and grey literature, this paper presents an in-depth global overview of what water security means and how assessment is being carried out. These aspects are put together in the present work with the aim to facilitate access to this complex concept for academics but also policymakers and other stakeholders involved in water management and governance. Aiming to provide a groundwork for water security understanding, we examine definitions, scales of application, frequent approaches and methodologies used to study water security. We also present indicators and aspects being included in water security frameworks. A summary of important actions towards water security improvement is also presented. As a dynamic and multi-faceted concept, water security requires an equally multi-dimensional and flexible interpretation. Understanding and measuring are key to improving water security levels. Bringing attention to how climate change, environmental needs, demographics, economics and governance are linked to water security can boost impact by prompting science, policies and innovation to come together.
Highlights
Water security is about managing too much, too little and/or too polluted water.Water security is about the increasing importance of sustainable management of water resources, drinking water and human well-being and protection of life and property from water-related disasters
Water security was first articulated as a policy challenge at the World Water Forum in 2000 in the United Nations (UN) Ministerial Declaration of The Hague on Water Security in the 21st Century and it has remained on the agenda of international organizations since [36]
Adopting the UN definition for water security, this paper provides an overview of what water security is, how it is being assessed and what can be done to improve it
Summary
Water security is about managing too much, too little and/or too polluted water. Water security is about the increasing importance of sustainable management of water resources, drinking water and human well-being and protection of life and property from water-related disasters. Jordan, located in a region with limited water resources, has made efforts to treat and reuse wastewater, the country faces, alongside high population growth, a high influx of Syrian refugees, threats and sabotage of their water infrastructure and resources, making water security an extremely political challenge [18]. It may be clear from the above that water security is a broad concept with many dimensions and acting on different scales. A later study by Garrick and Hall [33] proposed a risk perspective overview of water security, including analysis of definitions, indicators, indices and how they vary at different scales. We aim at identifying gaps in knowledge, hoping that this can support policy development and innovation in the field
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
