How Much Drinkable Water Is There?

Water is an abundant resource on Earth, but the amount of drinkable water is only a fraction of the world’s total water supply. It is estimated that only about 3 percent of the world’s water is actually drinkable. This is because about 96 percent of water is found in the oceans and must be processed before it can be used for drinking. In addition, a portion of the world’s drinkable water is in the form of ice at the polar caps, making the water basically inaccessible and leaving less than 0.4 percent of the Earth's drinkable water available for people to use.

More facts about water:

  • The human brain is 75 percent water — the same percentage found in most types of living trees.

  • Humans can go only about a week without water before dying. This assumes that the individual is in top physical condition. By contrast, humans can manage to go without food for about 30 days before passing away.

  • Water expands when it freezes. Generally, the water will expand by about 9 percent as it freezes. Frozen water is less dense than water and many other liquids, which is why ice cubes float in drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much of the Earth's water is actually drinkable?

Only about 2.5% of Earth's water is freshwater, which is potentially drinkable. However, much of this is trapped in glaciers, ice caps, and underground aquifers. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, less than 1% of the world's freshwater is accessible and suitable for human use, emphasizing the precious nature of this resource.

What are the main sources of drinkable water?

The primary sources of drinkable water include surface water from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, as well as groundwater from aquifers. Rainwater harvesting also provides potable water in some regions. Treatment plants play a crucial role in purifying water from these sources to make it safe for consumption.

Is the amount of drinkable water on Earth increasing or decreasing?

The amount of drinkable water on Earth is decreasing due to factors like pollution, overuse, and climate change. The World Resources Institute has reported that by 2025, two-thirds of the world's population may face water shortages, highlighting the urgent need for conservation and sustainable management of water resources.

How does climate change affect the availability of drinkable water?

Climate change impacts the availability of drinkable water by altering precipitation patterns, melting glaciers, and causing more frequent and severe droughts and floods. These changes can lead to water scarcity in some areas and water excess in others, disrupting the balance of available freshwater resources, as noted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

What can individuals do to help conserve drinkable water?

Individuals can conserve drinkable water by adopting efficient water use practices such as fixing leaks, using water-saving appliances, taking shorter showers, and turning off the tap while brushing teeth. Collecting rainwater for gardening and choosing native plants that require less water can also significantly reduce household water consumption.

How is drinkable water distributed across the globe?

Drinkable water distribution is highly uneven across the globe. Some regions, like parts of North America and Europe, have abundant freshwater resources, while others, such as the Middle East and North Africa, face severe water scarcity. This uneven distribution often correlates with economic disparities, leading to challenges in access and sanitation for many communities.

More Info: http://water.epa.gov

Discussion Comments

anon322435

Because there is so much water on Earth, although it is a limited resource, for now 0.4 percent is plenty to fulfill the current population's needs.

anon270243

How are billions of people getting water then?!

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register: