The Impact of Climate Change on Water Quality: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

Climate change affects both the quantity and quality of water resources, amplifying the water crisis, slowing progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and contributing to the needs of future generations. To address these challenges, this study presents an interdisciplinary synthesis of the literature on the subject, highlighting the impact of climate change on water resources (surface water and groundwater). The escalating global demand for water, driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and industrial development, is placing significant pressure on water resources. This situation needs sustainable management solutions to mitigate the environmental impacts associated with increased water consumption and climate change. The methodology included bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer version 1.6.19, a software tool for constructing and visualizing bibliometric networks, and systematic analysis according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. 155 records were used in this review from a total number of 1344 documents searched in Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The results indicate that research on the consequences of climate change on water quality remains in its infancy. This study highlights the effects of climate change on water quality indicators, including physicochemical, microbiological, and micropollutants, as well as the implications for human health and water supply infrastructure. Climatic factors, such as rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns, are particularly important because they control processes fundamental to sustaining life on the planet. The main conclusions are that climate change accelerates the degradation of drinking water quality and amplifies public health risks. These findings highlight the need for rigorous assessments and the development of integrated adaptation strategies involving collaboration among water operators, decision-makers, the scientific community, and climate change specialists.