Table of Contents
1. Introduction
The Earth has a vast amount of water. It is estimated that there are around 326 million trillion gallons (equivalent to roughly 1,260,000,000,000,000,000,000 liters) of water on our planet. This water is in a constant cycle – it evaporates from the ocean, travels through the air, falls as rain on the land, and then returns to the sea.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the world’s water, including how much natural water and salt water exist on the Blue Planet.
The Earth is a watery place. But how much water exists on, in, and above our planet? About 71 percent of the Earth’s surface is water-covered, and the oceans hold about 96.5 percent of all Earth’s water. Water also exists in the air as water vapor, in rivers and lakes, in icecaps and glaciers, in the ground as soil moisture in aquifers, and even in you and your dog.
Water is a dynamic force, never content to sit still. Thanks to the water cycle, our planet’s water supply is in a constant state of motion, shifting from one place to another and transforming from one form to another. Without the water cycle, things would quickly become stagnant and lifeless!
| Water source | Water volume, in cubic miles | Water volume, in cubic kilometers | Percent of freshwater | Percent of total water |
| Oceans, Seas, & Bays | 321,000,000 | 1,338,000,000 | — | 96.54 |
| Ice caps, Glaciers, & Permanent Snow | 5,773,000 | 24,064,000 | 68.7 | 1.74 |
| Groundwater | 5,614,000 | 23,400,000 | — | 1.69 |
| Fresh | 2,526,000 | 10,530,000 | 30.1 | 0.76 |
| Saline | 3,088,000 | 12,870,000 | — | 0.93 |
| Soil Moisture | 3,959 | 16,500 | 0.05 | 0.001 |
| Ground Ice & Permafrost | 71,970 | 300,000 | 0.86 | 0.022 |
| Lakes | 42,320 | 176,400 | — | 0.013 |
| Fresh | 21,830 | 91,000 | 0.26 | 0.007 |
| Saline | 20,490 | 85,400 | — | 0.006 |
| Atmosphere | 3,095 | 12,900 | 0.04 | 0.001 |
| Swamp Water | 2,752 | 11,470 | 0.03 | 0.0008 |
| Rivers | 509 | 2,120 | 0.006 | 0.0002 |
| Biological Water | 269 | 1,120 | 0.003 | 0.0001 |
How much natural water is there?
Earth is estimated to hold about 1,386,000,000 cubic kilometers of water. The breakdown of where all that water resides is estimated as follows:
● Oceans (saline) 1,338,000,000 cubic kilometers
● Ice caps and glaciers (fresh) 24,064,000 cubic kilometers
● Groundwater (fresh and saline): 23,400,000 cubic kilometers
● Streams, lakes, swamps (fresh) 104,590 cubic kilometers
● Lakes (saline) 85,400 cubic kilometers
● Other–soil, atmosphere, biosphere (fresh) 330,520 cubic kilometers
How much groundwater is left in India 2024?
It isn’t easy to estimate How much groundwater is left in India as partial recharging is also taking place.
Do you know, we are exporting water.
To export Basmati rice, we virtually export (use) 10 trillion liters of water.
For some exciting details of the groundwater, please read on:
World Water Day: India is the 3rd largest groundwater exporter, but 21 cities are running out of water by next year!
The theme for World Water Day 2019, ‘Leaving no one behind,’ is a stark reminder of the global water crisis. 21 Indian cities, including Delhi, are set to run out of groundwater by 2020, potentially affecting 100 million people.The entire world’s water supply, a mere 1% of which is accessible for human consumption, can fit on a map of the United States. Population growth, pollution, and climate change are exacerbating this crisis, threatening fisheries, agriculture, and people’s health.
Groundwater has been declining at an alarming rate in India, which is expected to surpass China as the world’s most populous country in less than a decade.
More than a third of India’s population lives in water-stressed areas, and this number is set to grow due to groundwater depletion and rising urbanization. According to a recent report by the World Resources Institute, India is one of 17 countries facing extremely high water stress.
Surface water should be stored during monsoon season and used throughout the year instead of groundwater. India has built many large dams in the last few decades, but there are still hundreds of incomplete dams. Successive federal governments have spent billions of dollars over the years to complete them. However, several still need to be completed due to bureaucratic sloth, corruption, opposition to land acquisition, and lack of coordination within the government.
Here’s why we need to conserve water
● 2.1 billion people live without safe water at home
● One in four primary schools have no drinking water service, with pupils using unprotected sources or going thirsty
● More than 700 children under five years of age die every day from diarrhea linked to unsafe water and poor sanitation
● Globally, 80 percent of the people who have to use unsafe and unprotected water sources live in rural areas
● Women and girls are responsible for water collection in eight out of ten households with water off-premises
● For the 68.5 million people who have been forced to flee their homes, accessing safe water services is highly problematic
● Around 159 million people collect their drinking water from surface water, such as ponds and streams
● Around four billion people – nearly two-thirds of the world’s population – experience severe water scarcity during at least one month of the year
● Over 800 women die every day from complications in pregnancy and childbirth
● 700 million people worldwide could be displaced by intense water scarcity by 2030
G-Sewa: The NGO for Water Conservation
G-Sewa: The NGO for Water Conservation is actively engaged in raising awareness and implementing crucial initiatives amidst India’s severe water crisis of 2024. Backed by a team of passionate professionals and experts in hydrology and environmental science, G-Sewa brings extensive knowledge and experience to the forefront of water conservation efforts. Through targeted campaigns and community outreach programs, G-Sewa strives to educate the public about sustainable water practices and encourage responsible water management. Their proactive approach and commitment to addressing pressing water-related challenges underscore their pivotal role in safeguarding India’s precious water resources for future generations.
We invite you to join our team today in the crucial mission of safeguarding India’s water resources. As we face a challenging water crisis in 2024, your involvement can make a significant impact. Whether you’re passionate about environmental sustainability, have expertise in water management, or simply want to contribute to a meaningful cause, G-Sewa offers opportunities for everyone to participate. Join us in raising awareness, implementing sustainable practices, and creating a positive impact on our environment. Together, we can work towards a future where water is preserved and accessible for all.
FAQs:
What percentage of Earth’s surface is covered by water in 2024?
About 71% of Earth’s surface is covered by water in 2024.
Is the amount of water on Earth changing over time?
The total amount of water on Earth remains relatively constant, but its distribution can change due to factors such as climate change and human activities.
How do scientists measure the amount of water on Earth?
Scientists use various methods, including satellite observations, groundwater measurements, and calculations based on geological data, to estimate the amount of water on Earth.
What are the main sources of Earth’s freshwater in 2024?
The main sources of freshwater in 2024 include rivers, lakes, groundwater, and glaciers.
The main sources of freshwater in 2024 include rivers, lakes, groundwater, and glaciers.
