How Much Water Is Available
Key Notes :
Water Distribution on Earth:
- Water covers about 71% of the Earth’s surface.
- Oceans contain around 97.5% of all water on Earth, but it is salty and not suitable for drinking.
- Freshwater makes up only about 2.5% of all water on Earth.
Types of Freshwater:
- Groundwater: 30.1% of Earth’s freshwater is stored underground in aquifers.
- Ice and Snow: 68.7% of Earth’s freshwater is locked in glaciers and polar ice caps.
- Rivers and Lakes: Only about 0.3% of Earth’s freshwater is found in rivers, lakes, and swamps, which are the main sources of accessible drinking water.
The Water Cycle:
- Water is constantly moving through the water cycle, which includes processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
- The cycle ensures that water is replenished, but the total amount of freshwater remains limited.
Access to Freshwater:
- Not all freshwater is easily accessible. Much of it is trapped in glaciers or deep underground.
- The distribution of freshwater is uneven across the world. Some regions have abundant freshwater resources, while others face severe water scarcity.
Water Scarcity:
- Water scarcity occurs when the demand for water exceeds its available supply.
- Factors contributing to water scarcity include population growth, climate change, pollution, and overuse of water resources.
- Many regions, especially in arid and semi-arid areas, struggle with limited access to clean and safe drinking water.
Conservation of Water:
- Sustainable water management is essential to ensure the availability of freshwater for future generations.
- Water conservation techniques include reducing water wastage, using water-efficient technologies, and protecting freshwater sources from pollution.
Global Water Issues:
- Some countries face water stress due to the limited availability of freshwater resources.
- International cooperation and policies are essential to manage transboundary water resources and address global water challenges.
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