Simon Damkjaer|Richard G. Taylor
The measurement of water scarcity: Defining a meaningful indicator
University College London|University College London|Pearson (United Kingdom)
metrics water scarcity stress evolved last three decades simple threshold indicators holistic measures characterising human environments freshwater sustainability metrics commonly estimate renewable freshwater resources using mean annual river runoff masks hydrological variability quantify subjectively socioeconomic conditions characterising adaptive capacity marked absence research evaluating whether metrics water scarcity meaningful argue measurement water scarcity 1 redefined physically terms freshwater storage required address imbalances intra interannual fluxes freshwater supply demand 2 abandons subjective quantifications human environments 3 used inform participatory decisionmaking processes explore wide range options addressing freshwater storage requirements beyond dams include use renewable groundwater soil water trading virtual water outline conceptual framework redefining water scarcity terms freshwater storage