Volume of Fresh Water

If all of the Earth’s water fit in a gallon (four litres) jug, the available fresh water would equal just over a tablespoon.

Volume of water on Earth

All water 1.4 x 109 km3
Fresh water 36 x 106 km3
Note: Different figures are available; these are indicative only
Annual global water cycle
A: Continental rainfall B: Continental evaporation C: Water from ocean to land D: Rainfall over ocean
E: Evaporation from ocean
F: Flow from continent to ocean

Source: Gleick, 1993

Global availability of water

Sources: Gleick, 1993 and Pani Ko Artha Rajniti, 1997