Every year number of nations and states in world face water crises. That is different mater rich and develop country cope with costly modern technology make sea water to drinking water. But it is not possible for developing or under developed poor country.
Most of people never worry about water because it is available free in most of country or at very low price. So, we don't care. Also governments are not vary serious about water.
But certainly there is ways to avoid such situation.
First thing governments require to put strict law about water consumption and usage.
Make rainwater harvesting compulsory for commercial, domestic and industrial building.
Farmers must be motivated or forced for rain water harvesting drip irrigation and develop small pond for their farm instead of depend on ground water or river water.
Domestic water must be treated with biological treatment and use for industrial purpose.
Industry must force to reuse or recycle water.
Government require to develop check dame along length of river to hold or retain rain water. Check dam developed on seasonal water stream and that water use for farming
Local authority has to develop small lakes all around city which increase ground water level you will found in old Indian cities most of filled up by local authorities and commercial structures developed on that land.
Local authorities must develop storm water drainage and collect water in reservoir or check dam.
Finally water supply to house and industry must be metered and charged by authority.
Government must focus on develop network of check dam and lakes instead of big river dam because coast of such dam is very high and over period they river down stream get dry and sea water penetrate in river area.