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Most water is in the oceans, which cover 71% of the Earth’s surface. Three per cent is freshwater, two-thirds of which is tied up as ice in glaciers and at the poles. This leaves approximately 1% as freshwater in rivers, lakes, and the atmosphere and in groundwater. Population, household size, and growth and affluence all affect how much water is used. Humans also need water for drinking, cleaning, cooking, and bathing. Water management includes delivery of water to residential customers, water sanitation, regulation of water usage in home gardens, and water conservation measures that are designed to help communities use less water. Water scarcity may not be an immediate issue in all areas of the world, but many communities accept that there are growing pressures on water supplies and thinking ahead about water security is advisable. This book includes the policies, strategies and activities made to sustainably manage the natural resource fresh water, to protect the water environment, and to meet current and future human demand.
