Population Growth and Water Consumption in Yefren City: An Analytical Desk Study

Abstract

Water resources represent one of the most important foundations of economic and social development. Their conservation and sustainable management have become among the most significant challenges facing countries and communities in the modern era. Population growth is considered a major factor contributing to the increasing demand for water, as the rise in population leads to greater domestic, service, agricultural, and industrial water requirements. This, in turn, places increasing pressure on available water resources, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Libya is among the countries facing limitations in natural water resources, making the study of the relationship between population growth and water consumption highly important for supporting planning policies and sustainable development. This study aims to analyze the relationship between population growth and water consumption in Yefren City through a descriptive-analytical approach based on reviewing previous studies, reports, and available demographic statistics. The study also seeks to examine population growth trends in the city and assess their implications for water demand, in addition to highlighting the major challenges associated with water resource management under continuous population growth. The study found a clear positive relationship between population growth and increased water consumption. The increase in population has contributed significantly to higher domestic and service-sector water demand. The findings further indicate that the continuation of population growth in Yefren City requires the adoption of more efficient water resource management strategies, the implementation of water conservation and awareness programs, and the enhancement of rainwater harvesting projects, alongside efforts to reduce water losses within distribution networks.