Annual freshwater withdrawals, total (% of internal resources)

This metric provides insights into the volume of freshwater extracted from internal sources such as rivers, lakes, and aquifers, excluding evaporation from reservoirs. It encompasses all types of water usage, capturing withdrawals for agriculture—including irrigation and livestock—as well as industrial needs, including cooling processes in thermoelectric power plants. Furthermore, it incorporates withdrawals for domestic consumption, serving households, public facilities, and commercial businesses. In regions reliant on desalination or where extensive water recycling occurs, total withdrawals may surpass the available renewable resources, highlighting potential sustainability challenges. The data reflects the most recent figures available and spans a critical period from 1987 to 2002, offering an opportunity to assess changes in water management practices over time. Source: