Access to water is one of the pressing global issues of the 21st century. As our global population grows and becomes wealthier, the demand for water will greatly increase. At the same time, water availability and quality are also under growing stress from climate change, energy scarcity, land use decisions, and the requirements of industry and minerals processing.

We will need to find better ways to both manage our current use of fresh water and configure it for the future, so as to be able to serve our growing populations and preserve stocks for future generations.

Emerging Global Water Issues
The Looming Water Crisis

Earth is the blue planet with water one of the most plentiful natural substances in its environment. There is more than 1.4 billion cubic kilometers (km3) of the stuff-enough to give every man, woman, and child more than 230 million cubic meters (m3) each if we were to divide it evenly.

What is the one natural substance that is MOST vital to life on Earth? Water. Without water, life is impossible for most creatures and plants. 

Clean water is essential to life, and as the Earth’s population grows, water is becoming more and more a limiting factor to human life. Concentrating populations in cities places additional demands on our ability to supply growing urban areas with adequate fresh, clean water. Water is becoming our most valuable resource, especially in urban areas.