In common with other parts of the world, the exploitation of water resources in the region has caused major disruption to hydrological cycles. Water development programmes for hydropower and to meet domestic and industrial requirements, coupled with deforestation in important watersheds, have reduced river levels and depleted wetlands. In addition, the mismanagement of water resources and increased irrigation has used groundwater reserves faster than they can be replenished, thus depleting aquifers and lowering water tables. Other activities, including the removal of vegetation from stream banks and flood control channelling, have changed the natural character of watercourses and estuaries. 3 Contamination by pollutants has also seriously degraded water quality, thereby reducing the amount of clean water available.
Water availability varies greatly within the region.
Singapore is currently meeting its freshwater demands by importing some of its supply from Malaysia. Supplies in India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Korea, Pakistan and Thailand are considerably below this, at between 1400 and 1900 a year. The region's water resources are under increasing pressure. Some arid countries, such as Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran, already have chronic water shortages. Most developing countries in the region have experienced growing water scarcity, deteriorating water quality, and sectoral conflicts over water allocation.