Fresh water or freshwater is any naturally occurring liquid or frozen water containing low concentrations of dissolved salts and other total dissolved solids. The term excludes seawater …

Apr 3, 2025 · Every living thing on Earth needs water to survive, but more than 100,000 species, including our own, need a special kind of water that can only be found in certain places and is …

Jun 8, 2018 · The definition of freshwater is water containing less than 1,000 milligrams per liter of dissolved solids, most often salt. As a part of the water cycle, Earth's surface-water bodies are …

Jun 16, 2025 · Freshwater ecosystems are characterized by their low salt concentration, typically less than 1% (or 1 part per thousand). This distinguishes them from marine and estuarine …

Despite its essential role to life and livelihoods, freshwater is a finite resource. Less than 1% of the Earth’s surface is covered by freshwater. At the same time, these environments host an …

Jul 29, 2025 · From sustaining agriculture and energy to shaping landscapes and communities, freshwater is essential. NASA’s Earth science data helps the nation manage this vital …

Mar 31, 2015 · Freshwater only makes up a tiny percentage of all the water on Earth—about 3%. Of that water, 99% exists as glacial ice (large sheets of frozen water often found in more polar …

Freshwater is a vital component of life on Earth, essential for human well-being and the health of ecosystems. It sustains agricultural practices, supports diverse ecosystems, and maintains …

Freshwater ecosystems supply food, water and energy to billions of people, protect us from droughts and floods, and provide unique habitat for many plants and animals, including one …

Explore the rich biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems and learn about critical conservation efforts to protect these vital habitats.