Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources

This indicator measures the sustainability of freshwater use by comparing the total volume of water extracted across key sectors—such as agriculture, forestry, fishing, manufacturing, energy production, and services—with the overall amount of renewable freshwater accessible, while also considering the ecological water needs essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems. By highlighting the proportion of water withdrawn relative to available renewable resources, this metric serves as a critical tool for understanding the pressures on water systems, informing water management policies, and promoting more efficient water usage practices. High ratios may signal potential over-extraction and environmental degradation, emphasizing the need for strategic conservation efforts and innovative solutions to balance development and sustainability. Source: