How much of the fresh water is available for human use?

Of all the fresh water on Earth, only a tiny fraction is readily accessible to humans. While the total volume of fresh water on Earth is estimated to be around 2.5% of the total water on the planet, much of this water is locked away in glaciers, polar ice caps, and deep groundwater reservoirs.

In fact, only about 1% of the Earth's fresh water is easily accessible for human use. This includes surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, as well as shallow groundwater aquifers. However, even this limited supply of fresh water is unevenly distributed around the globe, with some regions facing chronic water scarcity while others have abundant water resources.

The availability of fresh water is also affected by human activities such as pollution, overpopulation, and climate change. These factors can reduce the quality of water sources and make it more difficult for people to access clean, safe drinking water.

Given the limited availability of fresh water, it is essential that we manage this precious resource wisely. This includes conserving water, protecting water sources from pollution, and investing in sustainable water infrastructure to ensure that everyone has access to this vital resource.