There's nothing like a glass of clean, cool water when you're thirsty! But water is not only refreshing—it's essential. For people and wildlife alike, fresh water means life—but supplies are limited.
If you had a dollar for all the water in the world, less than half a penny would represent the world's supply of fresh water in rivers, lakes, and wetlands, which includes ponds, marshes, swamps, and bogs. That halfpenny—0.3 percent, to be exact—represents the Earth's surface water, which we draw upon every day to quench our thirst, water our crops, and power our industries.
But people aren't the only ones who need fresh water. More than 40 percent of the world's fish species live in fresh water, and about 12 percent of animal species need a source of fresh water. In the U.S., more than one-third of the species that are threatened or endangered inhabit wetlands.
Because of water's many uses, people have altered freshwater habitats more than any other on Earth. Dams block the natural flow of rivers, controlling the flow of water to towns, cities, and farmlands. Wetlands have been drained to build shopping malls and houses. Trash, chemicals, and other pollutants contaminate our waterways. In arid areas, like the U.S. Southwest, growing populations are soaking up the limited supplies of fresh water.
But there's good news. Many people have realized the value of our fresh water and are fighting to preserve rivers, lakes, and wetlands. By working together, we can try to make sure that people and wildlife aren't left high and dry.
|
 |
|
Canada's Aquatic Environments
Canada has 151,000 miles (243,000 kilometers) of ocean coastline and countless freshwater habitats. Explore them on an interactive tour.
Know Your Watershed
A watershed is an area that drains into a marsh, stream, river, or lake. Do you know why your watershed is important?
National Wild and Scenic Rivers System
Are you near a wild or scenic river? Check it out!
Surf Your Watershed
Wherever you are, you're in a watershed. Find out which one with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's interactive maps.
Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
Learn how your actions affect your watershed, and what you can do to protect fresh water at this U.S. Environmental Protection Agency site.
