How Much Water Is on Earth?

Earth's Abundant Water Supply00:00:03

Earth is unique due to its significant water presence, found in the ground, vast oceans, atmosphere, and within living organisms. Water covers 71% of the Earth's surface.

Saltwater Dominance00:00:25

A vast majority, 96.5%, of Earth's water is saltwater, primarily composed of sodium chloride, the same salt used in food.

Freshwater Distribution00:00:39

Only 3.5% of Earth's water is fresh water suitable for drinking. Most of this freshwater (68%) is trapped in ice and glaciers, one-third is groundwater, and a mere 2% is found in rivers, lakes, and streams. A small amount also exists as water vapor in the atmosphere, forming clouds.

Visualizing Earth's Water00:01:07

If all the water on Earth were collected into a single sphere, it would form a ball approximately 860 miles wide.