Exclusive Edition - The Ultimate Field Guide to Photography: Buy Now!
Visit our Online Shops

Sign up for free

Newsletters

Once a month
get new photos
and expert tips.

Fresh Water Map

Map: Earth's freshwater habitats

Data courtesy World Wildlife Fund
 Fresh Water

Earth's freshwater supply comprises just 3 percent of the planet's total water supply. Of that, nearly 69 percent is locked in ice sheets, and more than 30 percent is concealed deep underground.

Related Features

Photo: Twilight view of cattails growing on the banks of a freshwater lagoon in South Carolina's Huntington Beach State Park

Photo Gallery: Fresh Water

Drink in freshwater scenes from around the world, from Yellowstone to Ethiopia, and learn about the different ecosystems that accompany them in this gallery.

Photo: The red-sided dace has been designated as a vulnerable freshwater fish

Photo Gallery: Freshwater Plants & Animals

From rattlesnakes and box turtles to lilies and floating grass, get acquainted with some of the plants and animals that call fresh water home in this gallery.

Photo: Swimming turtle

Video: State of the Earth—Water

See the effects of higher CO2 levels on marine life.

Earth Topics

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Photo: Reflection on Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park

Photo Contest

Share your shots and you could win a trip to the Grand Canyon!

Photo: Puerto Escondido

Interactive Map

Visit Mexico with this interactive map.

Six Degrees Book and DVD

Image: Six Degrees DVD and book

Get an eye-opening warning of the dangers of climate change, one degree at a time.

Support Conservation

Photo: Two penguins

Help conserve the world's natural resources.