Water is the main source of life on Earth. It is vital for the normal existence and functioning of organisms. Earth is sometimes called a “water planet.” But, in reality, the amount of fresh water is limited. “Only about 2% of the planet's water is fresh.” (How much water is there on Earth?) This water is not even enough to satisfy the daily needs of humanity. According to the World Health Organization, “the lack of water to meet daily needs is now a reality for one in three people around the world”. (2009) In the Middle East the situation is particularly difficult. This region is believed to be one of the driest places in the world, most of its territory is desert. Fresh water represents 1% of the world's supplies, while the population accounts for 5%. (Baroudy 2005, 15)And this problem seems to be getting worse day by day. Since the mid-20th century, the demand for fresh water has tripled. And these statistics will continue to grow with population growth and industrial development. Water scarcity is a huge problem, because it can have a range of economic, social and political consequences. Crop failure and famine are one of them (Brown 2008, 16). Even the lack of water for basic daily needs will lead to unhealthiness. This will increase the risk of spreading diseases such as typhoid, cholera and dysentery (10 Facts about Water Scarcity 2009). The disastrous water shortage in the Middle East could also turn the existing struggle into a regional conflict. It is clear that this problem must be resolved immediately. There are few possible solutions and some of them are already applied. They all have some advantages and disadvantages. Humanity's goal is to find the best solution. First, a possible solution...... middle of paper ......ana/ (accessed 20 November 2010) Brown, D. 2007. Few alternatives in the Middle East. The times. April 13, 22. Newspaper source. http://web.ebscohost.com/ (accessed 20 November 2010) Brown, L. R. 2008. Draining our future: The growing shortage of fresh water. The Futurist 42 (3): 16-22. Premier of academic research. http://web.ebscohost.com/ (accessed November 20, 2010) Conway, M. 2008. The Desalination Solution. The Futurist (42) 3:23-24. Premier of academic research. . http://web.ebscohost.com/ (accessed 20 November 2010) Davidson, S. 2005. Making water – hold the salt. ECOS (124): 23-36. Premier of academic research. http://web.ebscohost.com/ (accessed November 20, 2010)How much water is there on Earth? and http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/ (accessed November 20, 2010) Water Scarcity in the Middle East. and http://idrologia1.nmsu.edu/idrologia/wastewater/