All articles tagged with #water withdrawals
During Maine's ongoing drought, Poland Spring increased water withdrawals from Fryeburg and Denmark, raising concerns about sustainability and local control, despite company claims of reduced usage and adherence to limits. Local officials and residents are frustrated over lack of transparency and the company's growing water extraction amid dry conditions.
The global demand for water has increased significantly due to population growth and agricultural needs, putting pressure on freshwater resources. Only 3% of the Earth's water is freshwater, and the majority of it is locked away in snow, glaciers, and polar ice caps. Just 1% of global freshwater is easily accessible from rainfall and freshwater reservoirs. Water withdrawals per capita vary greatly across countries, with many arid regions having high water usage for agriculture. Efforts to bridge the water inequality gap include promoting water conservation, investing in efficient irrigation systems, and improving water infrastructure in regions affected by scarcity.