Shortages of fresh water for human consumption and farming could reach crisis proportions in just 15 years, with a stunning 40% shortfall in fresh (including drinkable) water by 2030, according to a UN Report released today:

Many underground water reserves are already running low, while rainfall patterns are predicted to become more erratic with climate change. As the world’s population grows to an expected 9 billion by 2050, more groundwater will be needed for farming, industry and personal consumption.The report predicts global water demand will increase 55 percent by 2050, while reserves dwindle. If current usage trends don’t change, the world will have only 60 percent of the water it needs in 2030, it said.

The United Nations World Water Development Report (.pdf here) is a comprehensive review of the condition of the world’s freshwater supplies. Its purpose is to provide those countries with intelligent and forward-thinking leadership the tools necessary to plan for the implementation of sustainable water usage:

The WWDR is targeted to all those involved in the formulation and implementation of water-related policies and investment strategies, as well […]