Global Water Scarcity Statistics by Region (2026 Data)
Quick Answer: Key Water Scarcity Numbers Roughly 2.2 billion people (about 1 in 4 globally) lack access to safely managed drinking water ~4 billion people experience severe water scarcity at least one month per year By 2025/2030, some projections suggest half the world’s population could live in water-stressed areas Agriculture consumes ~70% of global freshwater withdrawals; domestic use is a small share The trends are worst in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa — and worsening in the US Southwest and Central Valley California These figures help explain why so many households and municipalities are exploring atmospheric water generators, wells, and rainwater harvesting. ...