When will we run out of water?
This is how much time we have left, till two thirds of the global population will have no access to clean, fresh water to support life.
Currently, 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, while over 4 billion face severe water scarcity for at least a month each year. By 2030, it's estimated that 40% of global annual water demand will not be met by traditional sources.
Our mission is to build partnerships to help solve the global water crisis and add time to the clock.
Our research on water conservation efforts
We track global companies' water-saving initiatives to highlight impactful efforts in reducing water scarcity. This independent research aims to quantify contributions that extend our planet's water availability.
Data last updated: [Insert Date]
Source: Independent research and company reports
Water crisis fact sheet
Water is a shared resource essential for all. Understanding these key facts helps us recognize the importance of sustainable water management for a secure future.
How much water does one person use?
On average, a person directly uses 80-100 gallons/day for drinking, bathing, and cleaning.
The total daily water footprint is around 2,060 gallons/day, including water used for food, energy, and product consumption.
How much water is withdrawn globally?
Globally, 9,000 billion gallons of water are withdrawn daily, used primarily for agriculture (70%), industry (20%), and domestic (10%) use.
Agriculture dominates water use globally, highlighting the need for efficiency improvements.
How many people are affected by water scarcity?
2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water worldwide and approximately 4 billion people experience severe water scarcity.
Water scarcity is a global issue with major health, food security, and political stability consequences.
What will happen by 2030?
By 2030, global water demand will exceed supply by 40% if current water management practices remain unchanged.
This shortfall will put pressure on governments, industries, and communities to find sustainable solutions.
How Much Water Does Agriculture Use?
Agriculture consumes 70% of global freshwater resources, which equals 3,850 billion gallons/day.
Most of this water goes toward irrigation, with inefficient systems contributing to significant waste.
What is the economic impact of water waste?
Globally, $12 billion is lost annually due to water waste and inefficiency. Industry accounts for 20% of global water withdrawals.
Investing in water-efficient technologies could help save billions and improve water sustainability.
How We Measure Impact
Water is abundant, but the challenge is managing it responsibly and efficiently. Our planet isn't running out of water—it's running out of the resources and time needed to make water available where and when it's needed. We measure water conservation efforts by quantifying how companies and innovations contribute to improving this crucial turnaround time.
Water Saved
Turnaround Time Improvement
Water can always be purified, but the process is resource-intensive and often too slow. Our focus is on tracking efforts that reduce the resource and time costs of water purification and conservation.
How we calculate: Each billion gallons of water saved or purified = 1 day added to the clock.
Example: If a company saves 5 billion gallons through efficiency improvements or purification, they add 5 days to the clock.
People Impacted
Localized Impact
Water scarcity is not a global problem with a one-size-fits-all solution. It's a collection of localized crises that require local interventions. We track how many people gain access to clean water in areas facing water scarcity, as this creates direct, measurable improvements in those regions.
How we calculate: Every 100,000 people gaining access = 0.5 days added to the clock.
Example: If a company helps provide clean water to 500,000 people in a water-scarce region, they add 2.5 days to the clock.
Innovative Practices
Efficiency Multiplier
While water can always be cleaned or extracted, the key is how we do it. Companies implementing innovative technologies that minimize the resource cost of water purification—such as desalination, water recycling, and graywater systems—earn a bonus for improving sustainability.
How we calculate: Companies using innovations like desalination or recycling get a 20% bonus on days added.
Example: A company that saves 10 billion gallons using wastewater recycling earns a 20% bonus, adding 12 days instead of 10.
Learn More About the Water Crisis
Discover the essential facts about water scarcity and how we can all contribute to water conservation.
Why Water Scarcity is a Global Crisis
Explore the causes and consequences of water scarcity worldwide, and why it's a pressing issue for everyone.
How Technology Can Help Save Water
Discover innovative technologies and solutions that are making a difference in water conservation efforts.
Simple Ways to Conserve Water in Daily Life
Learn practical tips and habits you can adopt to reduce your water footprint and contribute to conservation.