About 3% of Earth's total water is freshwater. The vast majority, approximately 97%, is salt water found in the oceans
. Of the freshwater portion, a large part-around 2.5% of total water-is locked in glaciers, ice caps, and deep underground, making it largely inaccessible for direct human use. Only about 0.5% of Earth's total water is readily available freshwater, such as in lakes, rivers, and accessible groundwater
. In summary:
- Total water on Earth: 100%
- Saltwater (oceans): ~97%
- Freshwater: ~3%
- Accessible freshwater (surface water and usable groundwater): ~0.5% of total water
This small fraction of accessible freshwater is critical for drinking, agriculture, and ecosystems.
