Water resources are natural resources of water that are potentially useful for humans, for example as a source of

drinking water supply or irrigation water.

Water is an inexhaustible and valuable natural resource. The existence of the plant and animal kingdoms depends on
water. So, water is called “LIFE”.

(water) It is indispensable in our day-to-day life in preparing food, for bathing and drinking, etc. Water is also essential
for irrigation, generation of hydro-electricity, navigation and industries.

Global overview, over two thirds or 67% of the earth’s surface covered with water, 97.2% of which is contained in the
five oceans: Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic and Southern (Antarctic). And, only 2.7% of Global water is freshwater.

Most of the freshwater (2.05%) are locked in ice caps and glaciers. Only less than 0.7% is available for human use.

The remaining unfrozen freshwater is found mainly as groundwater, with only a small fraction present above ground or
in the air.

Natural sources of fresh water include surface water, under river flow, groundwater and frozen water.

Artificial sources of fresh water can include treated wastewater (wastewater reuse) and desalinated seawater. Human
uses of water resources include agricultural, industrial, household, recreational and environmental activities.

Water resources are under threat from water scarcity, water pollution, water conflict and climate change.

Fresh water is a renewable resource, yet the world's supply of groundwater is steadily decreasing, with depletion
occurring most prominently in Asia, South America and North America, although it is still unclear how much natural
renewal balances this usage, and whether ecosystems are threatened.

The framework for allocating water resources to water users (where such a framework exists) is known as water rights.