When did the water crisis start?

The water crisis has roots that can be traced back several decades, but it became increasingly prominent in the late 20th century as population growth, urbanization, and industrialization intensified demand for fresh water. By the early 21st century, issues such as climate change, pollution, and mismanagement of resources exacerbated the crisis, leading to widespread water scarcity in many regions. The United Nations has highlighted this ongoing issue, noting that billions of people still lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation.