Water is an essential natural resource upon which all life on Earth depends. Although about 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered with water, less than one percent of the planet’s total water resources can be classified as accessible freshwater for consumption. Water demand continues to rise as populations grow and economies improve, while climate change and water pollution are putting additional strain on water supplies. These factors have increased the importance of the water sector, which is mainly responsible for providing safe drinking water to people.
Another vital service of the water industry is the safe disposal of wastewater through various treatments with diverse levels of complexity. Investment and advances in these technologies are needed in the wastewater branch and across the global water infrastructure to meet growing demands.
Renewable water resources worldwide as of 2022, by country (in billion cubic meters)
Further details: Visit original statistic Renewable water resources worldwide as of 2022, by country (in billion cubic meters)
The American continent hosts three out of the five water-richest nations in the world, with Brazil, Canada, and Peru holding together more than 14 trillion cubic meters of renewable water as of 2022. Furthermore, China was the country with the largest amount of renewable water reserves, holding almost 8.5 trillion cubic meters.
Water accessibility worldwideNumber of people with access to sanitation facilities worldwide in 2000 and 2022, by facility type (in billions)
Further details: Visit original statistic Number of people with access to sanitation facilities worldwide in 2000 and 2022, by facility type (in billions)
Approximately 4.5 billion people across the globe had access to safely managed sanitation services in 2022, a considerable increase from the beginning of the century when this figure stood at less than two billion people. Despite the improvement, there are still more than 400 million people who have to resort to open defecation.
Global water industryDistribution of desalination capacity worldwide in 2022, by region
Further details: Visit original statistic Distribution of desalination capacity worldwide in 2022, by region
With water scarcity hitting the headlines more frequently, trying to find alternative sources of freshwater has become a main trend in the industry. The desalination of seawater for human consumption in countries where water sources are scant has been common practice in recent decades. The region with the highest share of global desalination capacity is the Middle East, at more than 50 percent. North America ranks second with just under 20 percent.
Water management in the Gulf Cooperation CouncilMarket value of leading water companies worldwide in 2024 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Further details: Visit original statistic Market value of leading water companies worldwide in 2024 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Water companies are responsible for providing the public with safe drinking water and wastewater services, as well as maintaining vast networks of pipes and sewers. The U.S.-based public utility company American Water Works is a leading player in the water sector and had a market value of around 26 billion U.S. dollars as of January 2024. Other leading companies in the global water sector include the Saudi Acwa Power Company and the French utility Suez SA.
American Water
The water and wastewater category provides statistics and reports on all aspects involved in the global water sector. These include topics such as water demand and consumption, water and wastewater treatment, water scarcity, as well as water prices and water utilities.
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