Of all the water in the world, only 3% is fresh water and less than 1% of that is available for human use. The rest is frozen in glaciers or polar ice caps, or is deep within the earth, beyond our reach.

If you can imagine that 100 litres represents the world’s water, less than half a teaspoon of it is freshwater available for our use!

Fresh and clean water is essential to our existence, it allows us to produce food, manufacture goods and sustain our health.

In South Australia, it is important to realise much of our economy is reliant on good quality water. Access to good quality water is essential to all forms of economic activity from tourism through to manufacturing. While Adelaide’s mains water is, by world standards, of very high quality, the health of our waterways is important in helping us to maintain that standard.

Globally, one third of the world’s population is already facing problems due to both water shortage and poor drinking water quality. Effects include massive outbreaks of disease, malnourishment and crop failure. Furthermore, excessive use of water has seen the degradation of the environment costing the world billions of dollars.

More Information
Freshwater UNEP
Vital water graphic UN
Water Quality and Water Resources of SA
Water Quality
SA Water - Australian Water Quality Centre
Salinity and Water Quality
What can I do to help?
Caring for Water