Is it permissible to perform tayammum when there is a distant well or insufficient water?

If one does not find water for ablution, it is obligatory for him to seek it to the best of his ability, unless the water is far away, in which case it is permissible for him to perform tayammum (definition). If it is possible to reach the water source by car, then searching for it becomes obligatory. However, if the water is far away and difficult to reach, and the available water is scarce, not enough for both ablution and drinking, then tayammum is permissible; as stated in Al-Mudawwanah: "And if he fears thirst should he perform ablution with the water he has, he should perform tayammum."