Freshwater resources refer to naturally occurring water on Earth's surface (lakes, rivers) and underground (aquifers) that are suitable for human consumption and other uses. They are vital for various activities such as drinking water supply, agriculture irrigation, industry operations, and ecosystem maintenance.
Related terms
Water Scarcity: Water scarcity refers to the lack of sufficient accessible freshwater resources to meet the demands of a region's population. It occurs when there is insufficient water quantity or poor water quality for various uses.
Watershed: A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a common outlet, such as a lake, river, or ocean. It is essential for managing freshwater resources as it helps understand how water moves through landscapes and affects downstream ecosystems.
Desalination: Desalination is the process of removing salt and other impurities from seawater or brackish water to make it suitable for human consumption or agricultural use. This technology helps increase freshwater availability in regions with limited access to natural sources.