Local Water Security—Threats and Pathways

Water is the great leveler—essential for life and livelihoods. However, the climate crisis is exacerbating the water crisis. Land use and land cover change along with economic sectors such as mining, industry and agriculture, are also affecting water quality. Rural, remote, and marginalized communities around the world are particularly exposed to a variety of water-related insecurities associated with their geographic locations, population size, and resources. Water insecurity drives temporary and permanent relocation as well as significant personal and economic costs. This centers water insecurity as a disruptor of overall security and necessitates resourcing and implementation of appropriate adaptation and resilience strategies. This chapter will explore the particular vulnerabilities of rural, remote, and marginalized communities with respect to local water security and offer insights into assessments of water security and the necessary solution envelopes to strengthen local response and reduce local exposure.