Water Scarcity FAQs

Water covers 70% of the earth, but only 3% of it is fresh water. Out of that 3% of the planet’s fresh water, about two-thirds of is stuck, frozen in glaciers, or otherwise not available for human use.¹

About 2.3 billion people live in water-stressed countries year-round, and 733 million of those live in high and critically-stressed regions.² Nearly two-thirds of the world’s population—4 billion people—experience a severe lack of water at least one month a year.³

More than half of the earth’s wetlands have disappeared since 1900.⁴ Central Asia’s Aral Sea was once the fourth largest freshwater lake in the world. In the last 30 years, it has shrunk to the size of Lake Michigan, due to pollution and water diversion for irrigation. As it receded, it became saltier and exposed now-polluted land, resulting in food shortages, rises in infant deaths and decreased lifespans.⁵

We rely on water for everything, from drinking to growing food to sanitation. About 2.4 billion people lack adequate sanitation, which can lead to illnesses that impact their ability to work, learn and generally thrive as well as to deadly diarrheal diseases.⁶

Pollution, agriculture, population growth are some of the main contributors.
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• Pollution: Without proper sanitation measures, human waste, like fecal matter, often ends up in drinking supplies. In addition, pesticides, fertilizers and industrial waste often drains into water sources.
• Agriculture: Farming utilizes 72% of the world’s accessible freshwater.⁷ One big problem is that leaky irrigation systems, inefficient watering and “thirsty” crops waste about 60% of this water, drying up lakes and rivers.⁸
• Population: Worldwide, the population has more than doubled in the last 50 years. Currently, 41% of people live in water-stressed river basins.⁹

If these patterns continue without interruption, they will only get worse. It’s estimated that two-thirds of the world’s population may struggle with water scarcity by 2025. Wildlife and ecosystems will face even worse struggles.¹⁰

Learn more about water scarcity (here). Or, become a part of the solution by donating (here).