Freshwater Locations and Features

earth water

97% salt water and only 3% freshwater

usable freshwater

only about 0.75% of earth’s water is accessible for humans

glaciers and ice

about 2.25% of freshwater is frozen and hard to use

rivers and streams

flow downhill and carry water, nutrients, sediment, and pollutants

river example

snowmelt in colorado can flow to the mississippi river and into the gulf

lakes

bodies of still water; can be natural or man-made

springs

form when groundwater reaches the surface; often clear and drinkable

surface water includes

rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and springs

human impacts

dams, river channelizing, and overusing water harm ecosystems

key idea

very little freshwater is usable; surface water is most important for humans