# data[].attributes.body
Water cycle is a model that describes how water moves around Earth’s surface. It is also called the hydrologic cycle.

Belmont, Patrick. "Water cycle." World Book Student, 2025,

www.worldbookonline.com/student-new/#/article/home/ar593940. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
On Earth, water is always
changing form. It changes
from liquid to gas to solid,
and back again. Water
changing from one form
to another creates the
water cycle.

"Water Cycle." PebbleGo, Capstone, 23 Apr. 2025, www.pebblego.com.

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Water on earth exists in three phases or states—liquid, solid (ice), and gas (vapor). All three forms of water are important to life on earth—and all three are part of the water cycle.

“Water Cycle.” Science Online, edited by Karen Ellicott and Timothy L. Gall, Lincoln Library Press, 2022. FactCite, https://www.factcite.com/science/9060212.html. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
The water cycle has no beginning or end, moving water from Earth's atmosphere to the surface and then back again. Water changes from solid, liquid, and gas as it cycles.

Capstone. Water Cycle. In PebbleGo. Retrieved April 23, 2025, from www.pebblego.com

# data[].attributes.body
Energy from the sun drives the water cycle. The sun’s heat evaporates water from Earth’s surface, changing it from a liquid to a gas. Much of this water is evaporated from the oceans. As a result of evaporation, the air may become saturated with water vapor.

Belmont, Patrick. "Water cycle." World Book Student, 2025,

www.worldbookonline.com/student-new/#/article/home/ar593940. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
Plant evapotranspiration is a combination of evaporation and transpiration. Evaporation is the movement of water to the air from plants. Transpiration is how plants use liquid water and convert it to vapor, which re-enters the atmosphere.

"Water Cycle." PebbleGo, Capstone, 23 Apr. 2025, www.pebblego.com.

# data[].attributes.body
Water on Earth is always moving. It moves from Earth’s surface into the atmosphere and then returns to the surface

"water." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 22 Mar. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/elementary/article/water/390625#253887-toc. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
Evaporation turns liquid water into a gas called water vapor. In the process, the bonds between different water molecules are broken. Purified water vapor rises into the atmosphere, leaving salt and sediment behind.

Source:

"Water Cycle." PebbleGo, Capstone, 23 Apr. 2025, www.pebblego.com.

# data[].attributes.body
All life on earth depends on the water cycle as a renewable source of fresh water. Natural changes in the water cycle can lead to occasional droughts in some areas and floods in others. Many scientists believe that climate change—through global warming—is causing unusual changes in the water cycle.

“Water Cycle.” Science Online, edited by Karen Ellicott and Timothy L. Gall, Lincoln Library Press, 2022. FactCite, https://www.factcite.com/science/9060212.html. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
he Sun, air, and gravity work together to create the water cycle.

"water." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 22 Mar. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/elementary/article/water/390625#253887-toc. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
When liquid water from oceans and seas evaporates, it forms clouds in the sky. The wind pushes these clouds over land, where the water vapor condenses and becomes rain or snow. Some of the rainwater joins rivers and flows down to the ocean or sea, completing the cycle.

Some of the world’s water is held as a solid, called ice, and this is also part of the water cycle. When the ice on cold mountaintops melts, liquid water flows into rivers and returns to the sea.

"water cycle." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 22 Mar. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/elementary/article/water-cycle/476333. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
Some of the world’s water is held as a solid, called ice, and this is also part of the water cycle.

"water cycle." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 22 Mar. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/elementary/article/water-cycle/476333. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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What Is the Water Cycle?

Water flows over rocks in a river.

Water is the most important element on Earth. It flows over the surface, under the ground, into the air, and inside of every living thing. Made of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen, water can be solid, liquid, or gas.

Oceans, lakes, and ponds are water. Rivers and streams are too. Water can fall as rain, sleet, or snow, and freeze into ice sheets, icebergs, and glaciers. Humidity, fog, and clouds are water too.

All of the water on Earth makes up the hydrosphere. The hydrosphere is nearly a closed system-the water you drink today is the same that existed during the time of dinosaurs. Nothing living can exist without water.

Water is important, but so is the cycle that controls it. The water cycle has no beginning or end, moving water from Earth's atmosphere to the surface and then back again. Water changes from solid, liquid, and gas as it cycles.

Evaporation

Capstone. Water Cycle. In PebbleGo. Retrieved April 23, 2025, from www.pebblego.com

# data[].attributes.body
The evaporation, precipitation on land, and eventual return to the sea of this water is known as the hydrologic cycle. Heat from the sun drives the various interrelated processes. Differential heating of the surface creates atmospheric weather patterns that carry water evaporated from the oceans. The water is transported to different parts of the surface, where it precipitates as either rain or snow. A large percentage of the water falls back into the oceans, but a significant amount, 37,000 cubic kilometers annually, falls onto land surfaces. This quantity of water, flowing down from the average continental elevation of 2,700 feet (820 meters), has a potential energy of over 12 billion horsepower.

“The Rock Cycle.” Science Online, Lincoln Library Press, 2012. FactCite, https://www.factcite.com/science/9060013.html. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
Energy from the sun drives the water cycle.

Belmont, Patrick. "Water cycle." World Book Student, 2025,

www.worldbookonline.com/student-new/#/article/home/ar593940. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
The water cycle involves many different processes. Not all water follows the same path as it moves through the water

cycle.

Belmont, Patrick. "Water cycle." World Book Student, 2025,

www.worldbookonline.com/student-new/#/article/home/ar593940. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
The process by which water vapor becomes a liquid is called condensation.

"water cycle." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 22 Mar. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/elementary/article/water-cycle/476333. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
Glaciers are formed when snow is packed down into ice. Snow crystals accumulate year by year in areas where the temperatures never become high enough to completely melt the snow and ice. When a large amount has accumulated, the snow is under great pressure from the weight. Eventually the snow becomes packed so tightly together that it turns into ice.

"glacier." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 22 Mar. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/elementary/article/glacier/346123. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
90 percent of water that evaporates from oceans falls directly back down to the oceans as rain.

Belmont, Patrick. "Water cycle." World Book Student, 2025,

www.worldbookonline.com/student-new/#/article/home/ar593940. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
Glaciers only form in certain climates. They have to be above geographic snow lines. Snow lines separate snow accumulation and snowmelt. Snow does not melt north of a snow line. It accumulates year after year. Snow falls heavily during winter. It does not melt during summer. Summers above the snow line are short. Cool temperatures preserve the snow.

"Glaciers as a Water Source." PebbleGo, Capstone, 23 Apr. 2025, www.pebblego.com.

# data[].attributes.body
Glaciers are formed when snow is packed down into ice. Snow crystals accumulate year by year in areas where the temperatures never become high enough to completely melt the snow and ice

"glacier." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 22 Mar. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/elementary/article/glacier/346123. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
Glaciers are slow-moving rivers of ice. They form when more snow falls than melts. Snow accumulates and compacts over thousands of years. It eventually turns into solid ice. The ice becomes a glacier when it starts to move. Glaciers move from the pressure of their own weight. They flow downward with gravity.

Glaciers are an important part of the hydrosphere. Glacial ice is the second-largest source of water on Earth. Besides the ocean, ice holds two times more water than every other water source on Earth combined. The volume of glacial ice could sustain all of the planet's rivers and streams for 1,000 years.

Glaciers also hold most of Earth's freshwater. Although oceans hold 97 percent of Earth's water, seawater is salty. Three percent of water on Earth is fresh, and two percent is frozen in glaciers. Ice is always made of freshwater. Salt won't freeze with water crystals, so when salt water freezes, it loses its salt.

Climate and Location

Capstone. Glaciers as a Water Source. In PebbleGo. Retrieved April 23, 2025, from www.pebblego.com

# data[].attributes.body
Glaciers are slow-moving rivers of ice. They form when more snow falls than melts. Snow accumulates and compacts over thousands of years. It eventually turns into solid ice. The ice becomes a glacier when it starts to move. Glaciers move from the pressure of their own weight. They flow downward with gravity.

Source:

"Glaciers as a Water Source." PebbleGo, Capstone, 23 Apr. 2025, www.pebblego.com.

# data[].attributes.body
There are two main types of glaciers—alpine and continental. Alpine glaciers are formed in the mountains. There are several different kinds of glaciers in this category. A valley glacier, one of the most common, is a long, narrow mass of ice that fills the valleys of high mountains. Piedmont glaciers are formed when a number of valley glaciers unite and spread out upon a plain at the foot of a mountain range. Alpine glaciers are found on every continent except Australia. Continental glaciers are also called ice sheets. They are found on Greenland and Antarctica.

“Glacier.” Science Online, Lincoln Library Press, 2020. FactCite, https://www.factcite.com/science/9030087.html. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
In cold climates and during cold seasons, precipitation collects on the ground in the form of snowpack, ice, and glaciers. Water is stored in these forms during the winter. When the weather gets warmer, it gradually melts.

“Water Cycle.” Science Online, edited by Karen Ellicott and Timothy L. Gall, Lincoln Library Press, 2022. FactCite, https://www.factcite.com/science/9060212.html. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
At times glaciers covered about 30 percent of Earth’s surface.

"glacier." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 22 Mar. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/elementary/article/glacier/346123. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
Water is the most important element on Earth. It flows over the surface, under the ground, into the air, and inside of every living thing. Made of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen, water can be solid, liquid, or gas.

Oceans, lakes, and ponds are water. Rivers and streams are too. Water can fall as rain, sleet, or snow, and freeze into ice sheets, icebergs, and glaciers. Humidity, fog, and clouds are water too.

All of the water on Earth makes up the hydrosphere. The hydrosphere is nearly a closed system-the water you drink today is the same that existed during the time of dinosaurs. Nothing living can exist without water.

Water is important, but so is the cycle that controls it. The water cycle has no beginning or end, moving water from Earth's atmosphere to the surface and then back again. Water changes from solid, liquid, and gas as it cycles.

Evaporation

The sun is what powers the water cycle. The warmer the water, the faster it evaporates. Evaporation is an important part of the water cycle.

Evaporation turns liquid water into a gas called water vapor. In the process, the bonds between different water molecules are broken. Purified water vapor rises into the atmosphere, leaving salt and sediment behind.

Ninety percent of evaporation occurs on the surfaces of large bodies of water. Oceans have the largest surface area, covering more than 70 percent of the planet. They absorb most of the sun's energy and, in turn, release the most evaporated water into the water cycle.

Evaporated water spends about 10 days in the air. If evaporation happens quickly, the air will become humid. Humid air contains a lot of water. It feels warm, wet, and heavy. On the other hand, dry air is able to hold more evaporated water. Areas with low humidity and warm temperatures are most effective at absorbing water vapor.

Condensation

Water vapor condenses as temperatures drop.

Condensation is the opposite of evaporation. It turns water vapor back into liquid water.

After evaporation, water vapor rises high into the atmosphere. Air pressure and temperature drops the higher the vapor gets. This cools the water vapor. The water vapor clings onto particles of dust, smoke, and salt in the air, changing the vapor into droplets.

The droplets group together to form clouds. However, they are still too small to be seen. As more vapor condenses, the cloud droplets grow in size. An enormous group of cloud droplets make the clouds we see in the sky.

There are many different kinds of clouds. The shapes they take give them their names. Cirrus clouds are thin, white, and wispy. Stratus clouds form thick layers of gray. Altostratus clouds cover the sky. Cumulus clouds are thick and grow upward. They have dark bases with mounds of white puffs. When cumulus clouds produce rain they are called cumulonimbus. They are often thunderstorms, dark and heavy with rain.

Wind pushes clouds upward, increasing the cloud's humidity. Condensation accumulates until it is heavy enough to fall. It takes millions of cloud droplets to form a single drop of rain. But finally, that raindrop falls back to Earth as precipitation.

Precipitation

A heavy rain soaks the ground.

The water that falls back to Earth is called precipitation. Rain, hail, snow, and sleet are all forms of precipitation.

Precipitation falls as rain when temperatures are above 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). Rainfall can be a gentle mist or a dangerous storm. Water returns to Earth most often as rainfall.

When temperatures are below freezing, precipitation falls as snow, sleet, or freezing rain. Snow is made of frozen ice crystals and falls in loose flakes. Every snowflake has a different design. However, most are shaped like hexagons. Sleet is falling snow that melts and refreezes before reaching the ground. Freezing rain occurs when snow melts as it falls through warmer air and then refreezes on surfaces that are below freezing.

Hail is frozen water that falls as hard chunks or solid ice. It almost always forms in cumulonimbus clouds. This is because tall, tower-shaped cumulonimbus clouds reach higher elevations in the sky, where the air reaches below-freezing temperatures.

Precipitation is an important part of the water cycle. It replenishes freshwater on Earth. Frozen precipitation accumulates as snow or ice. Rainwater soaks into the ground or runs off, forming lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.

Collection and Storage

Lake Tahoe is located on the Nevada-California border.

Reservoirs collect and store water. Some water is stored for thousands of years. Reservoirs are found on Earth's surface as oceans, lakes, rivers, glaciers, and ice caps. They are also found underground as aquifers.

Oceans are the largest reservoirs. They store almost 97 percent of the water on Earth. Their waves, tides, and currents are constantly moving, mixing water, and carrying warmth and nutrients to every corner of the world.

Wind energy pushes surface water, making waves. Tides are long waves that follow the moon's gravity. They affect the movement of the entire ocean, causing sea levels along the shore to rise and fall every day. Currents move like rivers within the ocean. They travel around the world, mixing warm and cold water. Currents flow in huge circles called gyres. Earth's rotation spins gyres in different directions. Gyres spin clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere. Western currents move warm water from the equator to the icy poles. In the Southern Hemisphere, gyres spin counterclockwise. Eastern currents move cold water toward the warmer equator.

Oceans are very important to the water cycle. But freshwater is what keeps life on Earth going. Yet freshwater makes up only about 3 percent of all water on Earth. Freshwater is stored on Earth's surface as lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and glacial ice. Lakes are large bodies of freshwater surrounded by land. They are continually replenished by the water cycle.

Ponds are small, shallow lakes that are also freshwater reservoirs. Because they are so shallow, their temperatures change with the weather. The temperature at the pond's surface is the same at the bottom of the pond. Ponds also evaporate faster than lakes. Some dry up completely.

Rivers carry water downstream.

Rivers and streams also have an important role in the water cycle. Water runs downhill into rivers, draining the landscape. Rivers work like roads, spreading across continents and carrying precipitation back to the ocean.

Sometimes water is stored for a long time before it moves to the next part of the water cycle. For example, seawater might freeze on the surface of the ocean, leaving salt behind and becoming freshwater. These floating icebergs have an added benefit. They act as an insulator and protect the water below from freezing.

Margerie glacier in Alaska

Glaciers store an enormous amount of freshwater. They are often found at high elevations on mountains where more snow falls than melts. The snow compacts and turns into solid ice.

Glaciers are slow-moving rivers of ice. The pressure of their own weight moves them along the mountainside, carving depressions into the landscape. Later, water will collect in these depressions. Greenland and Antarctica are Earth's largest glacial ice sheets.

Ice is important to the water cycle. If all the glacial ice on Earth melted, sea levels would rise by 230 feet (70 meters). Entire countries would be underwater. Millions of people would have to move to higher ground. There would be less land for crops, less drinking water, and more pollution. Pollutants formerly stored in glaciers are released as the ice melts, flowing into lakes and rivers. People and animals would eventually starve.

Melting ice would change the ocean too. Sea levels rise, threatening coastal cities and other low-lying areas. Currents change, affecting ocean temperatures, salinity levels, and nutrients for sea life. Earth needs ice for life to survive.

Infiltration

Water soaks into the soil and is filtered. It then is sometimes accessed through a well.

Infiltration is when water is absorbed into the ground during and after precipitation. Infiltration is measured by the amount of water that soaks into the soil, sand, or stone per hour. Groundwater is naturally filtered as it flows slowly through the earth.

Groundwater is almost everywhere. Billions of gallons are stored deep underground. Some has been in its liquid state for millions of years. Because it does not receive heat from the sun, it does not evaporate. This mean it moves through the water cycle much slower than surface water. But eventually it finds openings, refilling wells and underground pockets called aquifers. It also bubbles and flows out of the earth as freshwater springs.

Sometimes water freezes with sediment, becoming permafrost. Permafrost is water-soaked soil that has been frozen for more than two years. This happens in colder climates where temperatures are often below freezing.

Runoff

"Water Cycle." PebbleGo, Capstone, 23 Apr. 2025, www.pebblego.com.

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Glacier ice today stores about three-fourths of all the fresh water in the world.

"glacier." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 22 Mar. 2025. school.eb.com/levels/elementary/article/glacier/346123. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
Glacier is a large mass of ice that flows slowly under the influence of gravity.

Moran, Joseph M. "Glacier." World Book Student, 2025,

www.worldbookonline.com/student-new/#/article/home/ar225440. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
ea ice is seawater that freezes in the cold air and frigid water temperatures found at high latitudes. Sea ice often forms large floating chunks called floes. These floes can freeze together to form masses called pack ice.

Moran, Joseph M. "Ice formation." World Book Student, 2025,

www.worldbookonline.com/student-new/#/article/home/ar750736. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
Glacier is a large mass of ice that flows slowly under the influence of gravity. Glaciers consist of packed snow that has built up over many years. The snow's weight eventually compresses its lower layers into ice. Glaciers scrape the ground as they move over it, eroding old landforms and creating new ones. They range in thickness from several feet or meters to 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) or more.

Moran, Joseph M. "Glacier." World Book Advanced, 2025,
https://worldbookonline.com/advanced/article?id=ar225440. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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Glaciers form in areas where more snow falls than melts. Snow accumulates year after year. Each added layer packs down the previous layers. The compression forces snow to recrystallize. Snow crystals start the size of sugar granules. They grow larger over time.

https://pgnplayer.pebblego.com/articles/8514

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The Flint water crisis is an ecological disaster in Flint, Michigan. The city's water supply was changed in 2014 to the Flint River. Immediately, people began complaining about the quality of the water. Citizens began suffering from serious illnesses such as Legionnaires' disease and anemia. Nearly 100,000 citizens were exposed to toxic water.

https://pgnplayer.pebblego.com/articles/12429

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All of the water on Earth makes up the hydrosphere. The hydrosphere is nearly a closed system-the water you drink today is the same that existed during the time of dinosaurs. Nothing living can exist without water.

© 2025 Capstone. All Rights Reserved Credits Educator Resources

v2.7.1

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Most glaciers cover at least 25 acres. That’s about the size of 25 football fields.

Godwin, Jordan. “Glaciers.” FactCite 123, Lincoln Library Press, 2022. FactCite, https://www.factcite.com/factcite123/6449.html. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
Glacier is a large mass of ice that flows slowly under the influence of gravity. Glaciers consist of packed snow that has built up over many years. The snow's weight eventually compresses its lower layers into ice. Glaciers scrape the ground as they move over it, eroding old landforms and creating new ones. They range in thickness from several feet or meters to 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) or more.

Moran, Joseph M. "Glacier." World Book Advanced, 2025,
https://worldbookonline.com/advanced/article?id=ar225440. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
The water cycle involves many different processes. Not all water follows the same path as it moves through the water cycle.

MLA:

Belmont, Patrick. "Water cycle." World Book Student, 2025,

www.worldbookonline.com/student-new/#/article/home/ar593940. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
Glaciers are slow-moving rivers of ice. They form when more snow falls than melts. Snow accumulates and compacts over thousands of years. It eventually turns into solid ice. The ice becomes a glacier when it starts to move. Glaciers move from the pressure of their own weight. They flow downward with gravity.

https://pgnplayer.pebblego.com/articles/8514

# data[].attributes.body
Climate change is making water scarcity worse. The impacts of a changing climate are making water more unpredictable.

https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/water-scarcity#:~:text=As%20the%20global%20population%20increases,are%20making%20water%20more%20unpredictable.

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Water scarcity refers to a lack of sufficient freshwater to meet the demands of a population, ecosystem, or industry, often leading to water shortages and stress. It's a global issue exacerbated by population growth, urbanization, agricultural practices, and climate change. The issue manifests in various ways, including reduced water availability per capita, high consumption relative to availability, and increased competition for water resources.

https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity#:~:text=Water%20covers%2070%25%20of%20our,situation%20will%20only%20get%20worse.

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Water covers 70% of our planet, and it is easy to think that it will always be plentiful. However, freshwater—the stuff we drink, bathe in, irrigate our farm fields with—is incredibly rare. Only 3% of the world’s water is fresh water, and two-thirds of that is tucked away in frozen glaciers or otherwise unavailable for our use.
As a result, some 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and a total of 2.7 billion find water scarce for at least one month of the year. Inadequate sanitation is also a problem for 2.4 billion people—they are exposed to diseases, such as cholera and typhoid fever, and other water-borne illnesses. Two million people, mostly children, die each year from diarrheal diseases alone.
Many of the water systems that keep ecosystems thriving and feed a growing human population have become stressed. Rivers, lakes and aquifers are drying up or becoming too polluted to use. More than half the world’s wetlands have disappeared. Agriculture consumes more water than any other source and wastes much of that through inefficiencies. Climate change is altering patterns of weather and water around the world, causing shortages and droughts in some areas and floods in others.
At the current consumption rate, this situation will only get worse. By 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages. And ecosystems around the world will suffer even more.

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Water scarcity can be defined as a lack of sufficient water, or not having access to safe water supplies.https://www.fluencecorp.com/what-is-water-scarcity/

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By 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages. Learn more about water scarcity, and some key solutions to address it.

# data[].attributes.body
Water covers 70% of our planet, and it is easy to think that it will always be plentiful. However, freshwater—the stuff we drink, bathe in, irrigate our farm fields with—is incredibly rare. Only 3% of the world’s water is fresh water, and two-thirds of that is tucked away in frozen glaciers or otherwise unavailable for our use.

As a result, some 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and a total of 2.7 billion find water scarce for at least one month of the year.

https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity

# data[].attributes.body
Water is a finite resource in growing demand. As the global population increases, and resource-intensive economic development continues, many countries’ water resources and infrastructure are failing to meet accelerating demand.

Climate change is making water scarcity worse. The impacts of a changing climate are making water more unpredictable. Terrestrial water storage – the water held in soil, snow and ice – is diminishing. This results in increased water scarcity, which disrupts societal activity.

https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/water-scarcity#:~:text=Water%20scarcity%20is%20a%20relative,by%20decreasing%20quantity%20or%20quality.

# data[].attributes.body
Two million people, mostly children, die each year from diarrheal diseases alone

https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity.

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Nearly one-half of the water used by Americans is used for thermoelectric power generation.

https://www.seametrics.com/blog/water-facts/

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Water is the most important resource in the world. Here are 100 amazing facts about water that you may not know.

68.7% of the fresh water on Earth is trapped in glaciers. ¹

30% of fresh water is in the ground. ¹

1.7% of the world's water is frozen and therefore unusable. ¹

Approximately 400 billion gallons of water are used in the United States per day. ¹

Nearly one-half of the water used by Americans is used for thermoelectric power generation. ¹

In one year, the average American residence uses over 100,000 gallons (indoors and outside). ¹

Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid including sulfuric acid. ¹

The freezing point of water lowers as the amount of salt dissolved in at increases. With average levels of salt, seawater freezes at -2 °C (28.4 °F). ²

About 6,800 gallons of water is required to grow a day's food for a family of four. ³

To create one pint of beer it takes 20 gallons of water. ³

780 million people lack access to an improved water source. ⁴

In just one day, 200 million work hours are consumed by women collecting water for their families. ⁴

1/3 what the world spends on bottled water in one year could pay for projects providing water to everyone in need. ⁴

Unsafe water kills 200 children every hour. ⁴

Water weighs about 8 pounds a gallon. ⁵

It takes 120 gallons of water for one egg. ⁵

A jellyfish and a cucumber are each 95% water. ⁵

70% of the human brain is water. ⁵

80% of all illness in the developing world is water related. ⁶

Up to 50% of water is lost through leaks in cities in the developing world. ⁶

In Nairobi urban poor pay 10 times more for water than in New York. ⁶

In some countries, less than half the population has access to clean water. ⁷

$260 billion is the estimated annual economic loss from poor water and sanitation in developing countries. ⁷

40 billion hours are spent collecting water in Africa alone. ⁷

The average cost for water supplied to a home in the U.S. is about $2.00 for 1,000 gallons, which equals about 5 gallons for a penny. ⁸

A person can live about a month without food, but only about a week without water. ⁸

Water expands by 9% when it freezes. ⁸

There is about the same amount of water on Earth now as there was millions of years ago. ⁹

The length of the side of a cube which could hold the Earth's estimated total volume of water in km = 1150. ¹⁰

Children in the first 6 months of life consume seven times as much water per pound as the average American adult. ¹¹

Americans drink more than one billion glasses of tap water per day. ¹¹

The United States draws more than 40 billion gallons (151 million liters) of water from the Great Lakes every day-half of which is used for electrical power production. ¹²

85% of the world population lives in the driest half of the planet. ¹³

Agriculture accounts for ~70% of global freshwater withdrawals (up to 90% in some fast-growing economies). ¹³

Various estimates indicate that, based on business as usual, ~3.5 planets Earth would be needed to sustain a global population achieving the current lifestyle of the average European or North American. ¹³

Thirty-six states are anticipating water shortages by 2016. ¹⁴

300 tons of water are required to manufacture 1 ton of steel. ¹⁵

1 in 6 gallons of water leak from utility pipes before reaching customers in the US. ¹⁵

American use 5.7 billion gallons per day from toilet flushes. ¹⁵

Refilling a half-liter water bottle 1,740 times with tap water is the equivalent cost of a 99 cent water bottle at a convenience store. ¹⁵

It takes about 12 gallons per day to sustain a human (this figure takes into account all uses for water, like drinking, sanitation and food production). ¹⁶

Each day, we also lose a little more than a cup of water (237 ml) when we exhale it. ¹⁷

By 2025, water withdrawals are predicted to increase by 50 percent in developing countries and 18 percent in developed countries. ¹⁸

By 2025 half the world's people will live in countries with high water stress. ¹⁹

A water-efficient dishwasher uses as little as 4 gallons per cycle but hand washing dishes uses 20 gallons of water. ²⁰

The average family of four uses 180 gallons of water per day outdoors. It is estimated that over 50% is wasted from evaporation, wind, or overwatering. ²⁰

It takes more than twice the amount of water to produce coffee than it does tea. ²¹

Chicken and goat are the least water intensive meats to consume. ²¹

There have been 265 recorded incidences of water conflicts from 3000 BC to 2012. ²¹

Hot water can freeze faster than cold water under some conditions (commonly known as the Mpemba effect). ²²

If the entire world's water were fit into a 4 liter jug, the fresh water available for us would equal only about one tablespoon. ²³

Over 90% of the world's supply of fresh water is located in Antarctica. ²³

Water regulates the Earth's temperature. ²³

On average, 10 gallons per day of your water footprint (or 14% of your indoor use) is lost to leaks. ²⁴

The average pool takes 22,000 gallons of water to fill. ²⁴

It takes about 70 gallons of water to fill a bathtub. ²⁵

Flying from Los Angeles to San Francisco, about 700 miles round-trip, could cost you more than 9,000 gallons of water. ²⁵

Water use has grown at more than twice the rate of population increase in the last century. ²⁶

Only 0.007 percent of the planet's water is available to fuel and feed its 6.8 billion people. ²⁶

Three quarters of all Americans live within 10 miles of polluted water. ²⁷

A swimming pool naturally loses about 1,000 gallons (3,785 liters) a month to evaporation. ²⁸

Producing a gallon (3.79 liters) of corn ethanol consumes 170 gallons (644 liters) of water in total, from irrigation to final processing. On the other hand, the water requirement to make a gallon of regular gasoline is just five gallons (19 liters). ²⁸

40% of freshwater withdrawals in the United States are used for agriculture. ²⁹

65% of freshwater withdrawals in China are used for agriculture. ²⁹

Freshwater withdrawals for agriculture exceed 90% in many countries: Cambodia 94%, Pakistan 94%, Vietnam 95%, Madagascar 97%, Iran 92%, Ecuador 92%. ²⁹

If everyone in the US flushed the toilet just one less time per day, we could save a lake full of water about one mile long, one mile wide and four feet deep. ³⁰

If everyone in the US used just one less gallon of water per shower every day, we could save some 85 billion gallons of water per year. ³⁰

Over 42,000 gallons of water (enough to fill a 30×50 foot swimming pool) are needed to grow and prepare food for a typical Thanksgiving dinner for eight. ³¹

An acre of corn will give off 4,000 gallons of water per day in evaporation. ³¹

In a 100-year period, a water molecule spends 98 years in the ocean, 20 months as ice, about 2 weeks in lakes and rivers, and less than a week in the atmosphere. ³¹

Water is the most common substance found on earth. ³¹

In Washington state alone, glaciers provide 1.8 trillion liters (470 billion gallons) of water each summer. ³²

Water makes up about 66 percent of the human body. ³³

There are no scientific studies that support the recommendation to drink 8 glasses of water per day. ³³

Drinking too much water can be fatal (known as water intoxication). ³³

There is more fresh water in the atmosphere than in all of the rivers on the planet combined. ³⁴

If all of the water vapor in the Earth's atmosphere fell at once, distributed evenly, it would only cover the earth with about an inch of water. ³⁴

It takes seven and a half years for the average American residence to use the same amount of water that flows over the Niagara Falls in one second (750,000 gallons). ³⁴

263 rivers either cross or demarcate international political boundaries. ³⁵

Of the estimated 1.4 billion hectares of crop land worldwide, around 80 percent is rainfed and accounts for about 60 percent of global agricultural output (the other 40% of output is from irrigated crop land). ³⁶

Household leaks can waste more than 1 trillion gallons annually nationwide. That's equal to the annual household water use of more than 11 million homes. ³⁷

Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. ³⁷

A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. ³⁷

Each cubic foot of Martian soil contains around two pints of liquid water, though the molecules are not freely accessible, but rather bound to other minerals in the soil. ³⁸

There is an estimated 326 million trillion gallons of water on earth. ³⁹

NASA has discovered water in the form of ice on the moon. ⁴⁰

A 2.6 billion year old pocket of water was discovered in a mine, 2 miles below the earth's surface. ⁴¹

Two-thirds of the world's population is projected to face water scarcity by 2025, according to the United Nations. ⁴²

1 pound of beef requires 1,799 gallons of water. ⁴³

1 gallon of wine requires 1,008 gallons of water. ⁴³

A 0.3 pound burger requires 660 gallons of water. ⁴³

1 slice of bread requires 11 gallons of water. ⁴³

1 apple requires 18 gallons of water. ⁴³

1 pound of chocolate requires 3,170 gallons of water. ⁴³

500 sheets of paper requires 1,321 gallons of water. ⁴³

Ground water occurs almost everywhere beneath the land surface. The widespread occurrence of potable ground water is the reason that it is used as a source of water supply by about one-half the population of the United States. ⁴⁴

Hydrologists estimate, according to the National Geographic Society, U.S. groundwater reserves to be at least 33,000 trillion gallons - equal to the amount discharged into the Gulf of Mexico by the Mississippi River in the past 200 years. ⁴⁵

At any given moment, groundwater is 20 to 30 times greater than the amount in all the lakes, streams, and rivers of the United States. ⁴⁵

About 27 trillion gallons of groundwater are withdrawn for use in the U.S. each year. ⁴⁶

The High Plains Aquifer covers eight states and 175,000 miles. ⁴⁶
References:
1. http://water.epa.gov/learn/kids/drinkingwater/water_trivia_facts.cfm
2. http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/water.html
3. http://www.water.siemens.com/en/about_us/Pages/Water_Footprint.aspx
4. http://blueplanetnetwork.org/water/
5. http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5303137.doc
6. http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/road-to-rio/secret-life-drinking-water
7. http://fieldnotes.unicefusa.org/infographic-world-water-crisis
8. http://water.epa.gov/learn/kids/drinkingwater/waterfactsoflife.cfm
9. http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/earth/conserve.htm
10. http://www.brita.net/blue_wonder.html
11. http://www.baycountyfl.gov/water/facts.php
12. http://aqua.wisc.edu/waterlibrary/Default.aspx?tabid=74
13. http://www.unwater.org/water-cooperation-2013/water-cooperation/facts-and-figures/en/
14. http://www.campusrec.illinois.edu/goGreen/facts.html
15. http://images.fastcompany.com/magazine/154/infographic/water-world.html
16. http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geophysics/run-out-of-water.htm
17. http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geophysics/h2o.htm
18. http://www.ifad.org/english/water/key.htm
19. http://www.worldwatercouncil.org/fileadmin/world_water_council/documents_old/Library/WWVision/Chapter3.pdf
20. http://awesome.good.is/transparency/web/1204/your-daily-dose-of-water/flash.html
21. http://pacinst.org/publication/10-shocking-facts-about-worlds-water/
22. http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/General/hot_water.html
23. http://www.waterwise.org.uk/pages/fun-facts.html
24. http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/water-conservation-tips/?rptregcta=reg_free_np&rptregcampaign=20131016_rw_membership_r1p_us_se_w#
25. http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/water-conservation-tips/?rptregcta=reg_free_np&rptregcampaign=20131016_rw_membership_r1p_us_se_w#
26. http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/freshwater-crisis/
27. https://donate.nationalgeographic.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=1071
28. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/top-10-water-wasters/
29. http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/ER.H2O.FWAG.ZS
30. http://www.sandiego.gov/water/conservation/kids/funfacts.shtml
31. http://www.cleanwaterways.org/kids/fun_facts.html
32. http://nsidc.org/cryosphere/glaciers/quickfacts.html
33. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/strange-but-true-drinking-too-much-water-can-kill/
34. http://www.afcec.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-130322-056.pdf
35. http://www.transboundarywaters.orst.edu/publications/atlas/atlas_html/interagree.html
36. http://www.fao.org/ag/save-and-grow/en/5/index.html
37. http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/pubs/fixleak.html
38. http://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/sep/26/nasa-curiosity-rover-mars-soil-water
39. http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geophysics/question157.htm
40. http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/11/13/water.moon.nasa/index.html?iref=24hours
41. http://www.livescience.com/32028-oldest-water-found-underground.html
42. http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB123483638138996305
43. http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/embedded-water/
44. http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/circ1186/html/gen_facts.html
45. http://www.ngwa.org/Fundamentals/use/Pages/Groundwater-facts.aspx
46. http://www.groundwater.org/get-informed/facts.html

Update: Five facts have been removed as they were pointed out to be inaccurate or redundant. Thanks to the following people who helped us improve this page:

@seametricsinc @MGhydro Wrong: 50% of FW is in Canada and 20% of 'available' FW is in Great Lakes. Also half water supply in 9 countries

- Michael E. Campana (@WaterWired) April 28, 2014

@cbdawson glaciers have 68.7% of global freshwater (listed twice) or 75% (listed once) ... (1/n) @WaterWired @seametricsinc

- Anas Matthæus (@MGhydro) April 28, 2014

@MGhydro @WaterWired @seametricsinc I think that happens a lot. I looked, and it's a quote from a USDA & NPS source, sadly wrong.

- Cian Dawson (@cbdawson) April 28, 2014

Have feedback or suggestion of an interesting water fact? Leave it below in the comments.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
100 Amazing Water Facts You Should Know | Seametrics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Water is the most important resource in the world. Here are 100 amazing facts about water that you may not know.

# data[].attributes.body
Clean, safe drinking water is scarce. Today, nearly 1 billion people in the developing world don't have access to it. Yet, we take it for granted, we waste it, and we even pay too much to drink it from little plastic bottles.

Water is the foundation of life. And still today, all around the world, far too many people spend their entire day searching for it.

In places like sub-Saharan Africa, time lost gathering water and suffering from water-borne diseases is limiting people's true potential, especially women and girls.

Education is lost to sickness. Economic development is lost while people merely try to survive. But it doesn't have to be like this. It's needless suffering.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Clean, safe drinking water is scarce. Today, nearly 1 billion people in the developing world don't have access to it. Yet, we take it for granted, we waste it, and we even pay too much to drink it from little plastic bottles.

Water is the foundation of life. And still today, all around the world, far too many people spend their entire day searching for it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Water Scarcity in Africa | The Water Project

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Water scarcity affects more than 1 billion people on a global scale. Learn more about water scarcity, the importance of water and how your donation can help.

# data[].attributes.body
Many of the water systems that keep ecosystems thriving and feed a growing human population have become stressed. Rivers, lakes and aquifers are drying up or becoming too polluted to use. More than half the world’s wetlands have disappeared. Agriculture consumes more water than any other source and wastes much of that through inefficiencies. Climate change is altering patterns of weather and water around the world, causing shortages and droughts in some areas and floods in others.

https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity#:~:text=Population%20Growth,production%20of%20commodities%20and%20energy.

# data[].attributes.body
A country or a region faces “water scarcity” when the availability of natural hygienic water falls below 1000 m³ per person per year

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/water-scarcity

# data[].attributes.body
Water covers 70% of our planet, and it is easy to think that it will always be plentiful. However, freshwater—the stuff we drink, bathe in, irrigate our farm fields with—is incredibly rare. Only 3% of the world’s water is fresh water, and two-thirds of that is tucked away in frozen glaciers or otherwise unavailable for our use.

As a result, some 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and a total of 2.7 billion find water scarce for at least one month of the year. Inadequate sanitation is also a problem for 2.4 billion people—they are exposed to diseases, such as cholera and typhoid fever, and other water-borne illnesses. Two million people, mostly children, die each year from diarrheal diseases alone.

https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity#:~:text=Water%20covers%2070%25%20of%20our,situation%20will%20only%20get%20worse.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Water covers 70% of our planet, and it is easy to think that it will always be plentiful. However, freshwater—the stuff we drink, bathe in, irrigate our farm fields with—is incredibly rare. Only 3% of the world’s water is fresh water, and two-thirds of that is tucked away in frozen glaciers or otherwise unavailable for our use.
As a result, some 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and a total of 2.7 billion find water scarce for at least one month of the year. Inadequate sanitation is also a problem for 2.4 billion people—they are exposed to diseases, such as cholera and typhoid fever, and other water-borne illnesses. Two million people, mostly children, die each year from diarrheal diseases alone.
Many of the water systems that keep ecosystems thriving and feed a growing human population have become stressed. Rivers, lakes and aquifers are drying up or becoming too polluted to use. More than half the world’s wetlands have disappeared. Agriculture consumes more water than any other source and wastes much of that through inefficiencies. Climate change is altering patterns of weather and water around the world, causing shortages and droughts in some areas and floods in others.
At the current consumption rate, this situation will only get worse. By 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages. And ecosystems around the world will suffer even more.

# data[].attributes.body
Today, 1.42 billion people – including 450 million children – live in areas of high or extremely high water vulnerability.

https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/water-scarcity#:~:text=The%20issue%20explained,finite%20resource%20in%20growing%20demand.

# data[].attributes.body
We use water in our homes for cleaning, cooking, bathing, and carrying away wastes. We use water to irrigate dry farmlands so we can grow more food. Our factories use more water than any other material. We use the water in rushing rivers and thundering waterfalls to produce electricity.

-we are using too much!!!!

aNyA

https://worldbookonline.com

# data[].attributes.body
Water covers 70% of our planet, and it is easy to think that it will always be plentiful. However, freshwater—the stuff we drink, bathe in, irrigate our farm fields with—is incredibly rare. Only 3% of the world’s water is fresh water, and two-thirds of that is tucked away in frozen glaciers or otherwise unavailable for our use.

https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity

# data[].attributes.body
Climate change further aggravates the situation, causing irregular rainfall patterns and affecting the recharge of rivers and aquifers. Poor water management and lack of proper infrastructure also play a significant role in exacerbating the crisis.

https://www.wateraid.org/in/blog/water-scarcity#:~:text=Causes%20of%20Water%20Scarcity%20in%20India&text=Climate%20change%20further%20aggravates%20the,role%20in%20exacerbating%20the%20crisis.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Water Scarcity - Causes, Issues & Problems of Water Scarcity in India

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Explore the critical causes of water scarcity in India and the pressing water scarcity issues the nation faces. Discover potential solutions and ways to address this water scarcity problem.

# data[].attributes.body
Water scarcity intensifies as demand increases and/or as water supply is affected by decreasing quantity or quality.

https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/water-scarcity#:~:text=Water%20scarcity%20is%20a%20relative,by%20decreasing%20quantity%20or%20quality.

# data[].attributes.body
There is the same amount of water on Earth as there was when the Earth was formed. The water from your faucet could contain molecules that dinosaurs drank.

Water is composed of two elements, Hydrogen and Oxygen. 2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen = H2O.

Nearly 97% of the world’s water is salty or otherwise undrinkable. Another 2% is locked in ice caps and glaciers. That leaves just 1% for all of humanity’s needs — all its agricultural, residential, manufacturing, community, and personal needs.

Water regulates the Earth’s temperature. It also regulates the temperature of the human body, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, cushions joints, protects organs and tissues, and removes wastes.

75% of the human brain is water and 75% of a living tree is water.

A person can live about a month without food, but only about a week without water.

Water is part of a deeply interconnected system. What we pour on the ground ends up in our water, and what we spew into the sky ends up in our water.

The average total home water use for each person in the U.S. is about 50 gallons a day.

The average cost for water supplied to a home in the U.S. is about $2.00 for 1,000 gallons, which equals about 5 gallons for a penny.

Water expands by 9% when it freezes. Frozen water (ice) is lighter than water, which is why ice floats in water.

https://www3.epa.gov/safewater/kids/waterfactsoflife.html

# data[].attributes.body
Flash floods resulting from extreme rainfall pose a major risk to people and infrastructure, especially in urban areas. Higher temperatures due to global climate change affect continuous rainfall and short rain showers in somewhat equal measure. However, if both types of precipitation occur at the same time, as is typical for thunderstorm cloud clusters, the amount of precipitation increases more strongly with increasing temperature, as shown in a recent study.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428221220.htm

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Extreme rainfall: A long-standing hypothesis on temperature dependence finally settled?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Flash floods resulting from extreme rainfall pose a major risk to people and infrastructure, especially in urban areas. Higher temperatures due to global climate change affect continuous rainfall and short rain showers in somewhat equal measure. However, if both types of precipitation occur at the same time, as is typical for thunderstorm cloud clusters, the amount of precipitation increases more strongly with increasing temperature, as shown in a recent study.

# data[].attributes.body
When water is scarce, sewage systems can fail and the threat of contracting diseases like cholera surges.

https://www.unicef.org/wash/water-scarcity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As the factors driving water scarcity are complex and vary widely across countries and regions, UNICEF works at multiple levels to introduce context-specific technologies that increase access to safe water and address the impacts of water scarcity. We focus on:

Identifying new water resources: We assess the availability of water resources using various technologies, including remote sensing and geophysical surveys and field investigations.

Improving the efficiency of water resources: We rehabilitate urban water distribution networks and treatment systems to reduce water leakage and contamination, promoting wastewater reuse for agriculture to protect groundwater.

Planning for urban scarcity: We plan for future water needs by identifying available resources to reduce the risk of cities running out of water.

Expanding technologies to ensure climate resilience: We support and develop climate-resilient water sources, including the use of deeper groundwater reserves through solar-powered water networks. We also advance water storage through small-scale retention structures, managed aquifer recharge (where water is pumped into underground reserves to improve its quality), and rainwater harvesting.

Changing behaviours: We work with schools and communities to promote an understanding of the value of water and the importance of its protection, including by supporting environmental clubs in schools.

Planning national water needs: We work with key stakeholders at national and sub-national levels to understand the water requirements for domestic use and for health and sanitation, and advocate to ensure that this is reflected in national planning considerations.

Supporting the WASH sector: We develop technical guidance, manuals and online training programmes for WASH practitioners to improve standards for water access.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Addressing the growing lack of available water to meet children's needs

# data[].attributes.body
72% of all water withdrawals are used by agriculture, 16% by municipalities for households and services, and 12% by industries.

https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/water-scarcity#:~:text=Water%20scarcity%20is%20a%20relative,by%20decreasing%20quantity%20or%20quality.

# data[].attributes.body
The U.S. uses a large amount of water each day compared to other countries.

Average person in U.S.: 156 gallons a day

Average person in France: 77 gallons a day

Average person in India: 38 gallons a day

Average person in Mali: 3 gallons a day

Source: http://www.unwater.org/downloads/Water_facts_and_trends.pdf

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
Earth from space, highlighting the water

# data[].attributes.body
Flash floods resulting from extreme rainfall pose a major risk to people and infrastructure, especially in urban areas.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/water/#google_vignette

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn about Earth’s water resources. Read current research on the water cycle, water pollution, groundwater depletion and lake protection.

# data[].attributes.body
a total of 2.7 billion find water scarce for at least one month of the year.

https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity

# data[].attributes.body
When a territory withdraws 25% or more of its renewable freshwater resources it is said to be ‘water-stressed’. Five out of 11 regions have water stress values above 25%, including two regions with high water stress and one with extreme water stress.

https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/water-scarcity#:~:text=The%20issue%20explained,finite%20resource%20in%20growing%20demand.

# data[].attributes.body
Lack of water can lead to dehydration — a condition that occurs when you don't have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Water: How much should you drink every day?

Water is essential to good health. Are you getting enough? These guidelines can help you find out.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
How much water should you drink each day? It's a simple question with no easy answer.

Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years. But your individual water needs depend on many factors, including your health, how active you are and where you live.

No single formula fits everyone. But knowing more about your body's need for fluids will help you estimate how much water to drink each day.

What are the health benefits of water?

Water is your body's principal chemical component and makes up about 50&percnt; to 70&percnt; of your body weight. Your body depends on water to survive.

Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly. For example, water:

Gets rid of wastes through urination, perspiration and bowel movements

Keeps your temperature normal

Lubricates and cushions joints

Protects sensitive tissues

Lack of water can lead to dehydration - a condition that occurs when you don't have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.

How much water do you need?

Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.

So how much fluid does the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate need? The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is:

About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men

About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women

These recommendations cover fluids from water, other beverages and food. About 20&percnt; of daily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from drinks.

What about the advice to drink 8 glasses a day?

You've probably heard the advice to drink eight glasses of water a day. That's easy to remember, and it's a reasonable goal.

Most healthy people can stay hydrated by drinking water and other fluids whenever they feel thirsty. For some people, fewer than eight glasses a day might be enough. But other people might need more.

You might need to modify your total fluid intake based on several factors:

Exercise. If you do any activity that makes you sweat, you need to drink extra water to cover the fluid loss. It's important to drink water before, during and after a workout.

Environment. Hot or humid weather can make you sweat and requires additional fluid. Dehydration also can occur at high altitudes.

Overall health. Your body loses fluids when you have a fever, vomiting or diarrhea. Drink more water or follow a doctor's recommendation to drink oral rehydration solutions. Other conditions that might require increased fluid intake include bladder infections and urinary tract stones.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you may need additional fluids to stay hydrated.

Is water the only option for staying hydrated?

No. You don't need to rely only on water to meet your fluid needs. What you eat also provides a significant portion. For example, many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and spinach, are almost 100&percnt; water by weight.

In addition, beverages such as milk, juice and herbal teas are composed mostly of water. Even caffeinated drinks - such as coffee and soda - can contribute to your daily water intake. But go easy on sugar-sweetened drinks. Regular soda, energy or sports drinks, and other sweet drinks usually contain a lot of added sugar, which may provide more calories than needed.

How do I know if I'm drinking enough?

Your fluid intake is probably adequate if:

You rarely feel thirsty

Your urine is colorless or light yellow

Your doctor or dietitian can help you determine the amount of water that's right for you every day.

To prevent dehydration and make sure your body has the fluids it needs, make water your beverage of choice. It's a good idea to drink a glass of water:

With each meal and between meals

Before, during and after exercise

If you feel thirsty

Should I worry about drinking too much water

Drinking too much water is rarely a problem for healthy, well-nourished adults. Athletes occasionally may drink too much water in an attempt to prevent dehydration during long or intense exercise. When you drink too much water, your kidneys can't get rid of the excess water. The sodium content of your blood becomes diluted. This is called hyponatremia and it can be life-threatening.

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Show references

1. Office of Patient Education. The heat is on! Precautions for people with diabetes during the summer months. Mayo Clinic, 2018.

2. Auerbach PS, et al., eds. Dehydration and rehydration. In: Auerbach's Wilderness Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Oct. 9, 2020.

3. Water & nutrition. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/nutrition/index.html. Accessed Oct. 2, 2020.

4. Dietary reference intakes for electrolytes and water. U.S. National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/dietary-reference-intakes-for-electrolytes-and-water. Accessed Oct. 2, 2020.

5. Franklin BA. Exercise prescription and guidance for adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 2, 2020.

6. High-altitude travel & altitude illness. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/noninfectious-health-risks/high-altitude-travel-and-altitude-illness. Accessed Oct. 2, 2020.

7. Bardosono S, et al. Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Drinking for two. Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism. 2017; doi:10.1159/000462998.

8. Sterns RH. Maintenance and replacement fluid therapy in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 2, 2020.

9. Gordon B. How much water do you need. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/healthy-eating/how-much-water-do-you-need. Accessed Oct. 2, 2020.

10. 10 tips: Make better beverage choices. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.choosemyplate.gov/ten-tips-make-better-beverage-choices. Accessed Oct. 2, 2020.

11. Thomas DT, et al. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and athletic performance. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2016; doi:10.1016/j.jand.2015.12.006.

12. Armstrong LE, et al. Water intake, water balance, and the elusive daily water requirement. Nutrients. 2018; doi:10.3390/nu10121928.

See more In-depth

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How much water do you need to stay healthy?

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Know how much water to drink to stay healthy and hydrated.

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By 2050, three out of four people worldwide could face drought impacts. Current drought costs already exceed $307 billion annually.

https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/water-scarcity#:~:text=The%20issue%20explained,finite%20resource%20in%20growing%20demand.

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Water scarcity limits access to safe water for drinking and for practising basic hygiene at home, in schools and in health-care facilities. When water is scarce, sewage systems can fail and the threat of contracting diseases like cholera surges. Scarce water also becomes more expensive.

https://www.unicef.org/wash/water-scarcity#:~:text=Water%20scarcity%20limits%20access%20to,water%20also%20becomes%20more%20expensive.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As the factors driving water scarcity are complex and vary widely across countries and regions, UNICEF works at multiple levels to introduce context-specific technologies that increase access to safe water and address the impacts of water scarcity. We focus on:

Identifying new water resources: We assess the availability of water resources using various technologies, including remote sensing and geophysical surveys and field investigations.

Improving the efficiency of water resources: We rehabilitate urban water distribution networks and treatment systems to reduce water leakage and contamination, promoting wastewater reuse for agriculture to protect groundwater.

Planning for urban scarcity: We plan for future water needs by identifying available resources to reduce the risk of cities running out of water.

Expanding technologies to ensure climate resilience: We support and develop climate-resilient water sources, including the use of deeper groundwater reserves through solar-powered water networks. We also advance water storage through small-scale retention structures, managed aquifer recharge (where water is pumped into underground reserves to improve its quality), and rainwater harvesting.

Changing behaviours: We work with schools and communities to promote an understanding of the value of water and the importance of its protection, including by supporting environmental clubs in schools.

Planning national water needs: We work with key stakeholders at national and sub-national levels to understand the water requirements for domestic use and for health and sanitation, and advocate to ensure that this is reflected in national planning considerations.

Supporting the WASH sector: We develop technical guidance, manuals and online training programmes for WASH practitioners to improve standards for water access.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Addressing the growing lack of available water to meet children's needs

# data[].attributes.body
Clean, safe drinking water is scarce. Today, nearly 1 billion people in the developing world don't have access to it. Yet, we take it for granted, we waste it, and we even pay too much to drink it from little plastic bottles.

Water is the foundation of life. And still today, all around the world, far too many people spend their entire day searching for it.

In places like sub-Saharan Africa, time lost gathering water and suffering from water-borne diseases is limiting people's true potential, especially women and girls.

Education is lost to sickness. Economic development is lost while people merely try to survive. But it doesn't have to be like this. It's needless suffering.

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Approximately 10% of the global population – around 720 million people – lived in countries with high and critical water stress levels in 2021.

https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/water-scarcity#:~:text=The%20issue%20explained,finite%20resource%20in%20growing%20demand.

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Our demand for water is constantly increasing. Every year, there are more people in the world. Factories turn out more and more products, and need more and more water. We live in a world of water. But almost all of it—about 97 percent—is in the oceans. This water is too salty to be used for drinking, farming, and manufacturing. Only about 3 percent of the world's water is fresh (unsalty). Most of this water is not easily available to people because it is locked in ice that covers Antarctica, Greenland, and the waters of the north polar region. But there is still enough to meet people's needs.

isn't that a lot??????????????????

-https://worldbookonline.com/

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a comprehensive suite of e-learning resources designed for all ages and abilities with articles

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A comprehensive suite of e-learning resources designed for all ages and abilities with articles, videos, educator tools, eBooks, research guides and more.

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Every nine days, more than 8 million people in the city and 11 surrounding municipalities have had their water shut off for 24 hours. Households and businesses were forced to adapt by storing water in advance and cutting daily consumption.

Bogotá’s mayor, Carlos Fernando Galan, announced on Friday that the rationing will end on Saturday, declaring that the crisis has been resolved thanks to improved rainfall, effective conservation efforts and the expansion of a treatment plant that eased demand on the reservoirs, which had fallen to record lows last year.

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Water scarcity takes a greater toll on women and children because they are often the ones responsible for collecting it.

https://www.unicef.org/wash/water-scarcity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As the factors driving water scarcity are complex and vary widely across countries and regions, UNICEF works at multiple levels to introduce context-specific technologies that increase access to safe water and address the impacts of water scarcity. We focus on:

Identifying new water resources: We assess the availability of water resources using various technologies, including remote sensing and geophysical surveys and field investigations.

Improving the efficiency of water resources: We rehabilitate urban water distribution networks and treatment systems to reduce water leakage and contamination, promoting wastewater reuse for agriculture to protect groundwater.

Planning for urban scarcity: We plan for future water needs by identifying available resources to reduce the risk of cities running out of water.

Expanding technologies to ensure climate resilience: We support and develop climate-resilient water sources, including the use of deeper groundwater reserves through solar-powered water networks. We also advance water storage through small-scale retention structures, managed aquifer recharge (where water is pumped into underground reserves to improve its quality), and rainwater harvesting.

Changing behaviours: We work with schools and communities to promote an understanding of the value of water and the importance of its protection, including by supporting environmental clubs in schools.

Planning national water needs: We work with key stakeholders at national and sub-national levels to understand the water requirements for domestic use and for health and sanitation, and advocate to ensure that this is reflected in national planning considerations.

Supporting the WASH sector: We develop technical guidance, manuals and online training programmes for WASH practitioners to improve standards for water access.

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Addressing the growing lack of available water to meet children's needs

# data[].attributes.body
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# data[].attributes.body
1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and a total of 2.7 billion find water scarce for at least one month of the year. Inadequate sanitation is also a problem for 2.4 billion people—they are exposed to diseases, such as cholera and typhoid fever, and other water-borne illnesses. Two million people, mostly children, die each year from diarrheal diseases alone. Rivers, lakes and aquifers are drying up or becoming too polluted to use. More than half the world’s wetlands have disappeared. Agriculture consumes more water than any other source and wastes much of that through inefficiencies. Climate change is altering patterns of weather and water around the world, causing shortages and droughts in some areas and floods in others. About half of the world’s wetlands have been destroyed since 1900. Some of the most productive habitats on the planet, wetlands support high concentrations of animals—including mammals, birds, fish and invertebrates—and serve as nurseries for many of these species. Wetlands also support the cultivation of rice, a staple in the diet of half the world’s population. And they provide a range of ecosystem services that benefit humanity, including water filtration, storm protection, flood control and recreation.

Damaged Ecosystems

When water becomes scarce, natural landscapes often lose out. The Aral Sea in central Asia was once the world’s fourth largest freshwater lake. But in only three decades, the sea has lost an area the size of Lake Michigan. It is now as salty as an ocean due to the excessive pollution and the diversion of water for irrigation and power generation. As the sea has retracted, it has left polluted land. This ecological catastrophe has created food shortages and resulted in a rise in infant mortality and a decrease in life expectancy for the nearby population.

https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity#:~:text=Only%203%25%20of%20the%20world's,world%20will%20suffer%20even%20more.

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Water covers 70% of our planet, and it is easy to think that it will always be plentiful. However, freshwater—the stuff we drink, bathe in, irrigate our farm fields with—is incredibly rare. Only 3% of the world’s water is fresh water, and two-thirds of that is tucked away in frozen glaciers or otherwise unavailable for our use.
As a result, some 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and a total of 2.7 billion find water scarce for at least one month of the year. Inadequate sanitation is also a problem for 2.4 billion people—they are exposed to diseases, such as cholera and typhoid fever, and other water-borne illnesses. Two million people, mostly children, die each year from diarrheal diseases alone.
Many of the water systems that keep ecosystems thriving and feed a growing human population have become stressed. Rivers, lakes and aquifers are drying up or becoming too polluted to use. More than half the world’s wetlands have disappeared. Agriculture consumes more water than any other source and wastes much of that through inefficiencies. Climate change is altering patterns of weather and water around the world, causing shortages and droughts in some areas and floods in others.
At the current consumption rate, this situation will only get worse. By 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages. And ecosystems around the world will suffer even more.

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Category 1 - The Water Cycle

Category 2 - Glaciers

Category 3 - Water Scarcity

Category 4 - Everyday Facts

Category 5 - In the News