- By 2025, two-thirds of the world's population will face water shortages as fresh water resources are becoming increasingly scarce and strained. Access to clean water is essential for public health but many people currently do not have reliable access. - Fresh water availability is dwindling as underground water resources, which make up 96% of the planet's fresh water, are being depleted. Pollution is also contaminating many surface water sources. - Without concerted conservation efforts and improved water management, the lack of access to clean water will continue to threaten public health and development, with diseases from contaminated water still killing thousands of children every day. International cooperation will be needed to tackle water scarcity issues.