How much drinking water is provided by rivers?

Rivers provide a significant portion of the world’s drinking water, supplying about 15% of the global population with freshwater for domestic purposes, such as drinking, cooking, and washing. However, the percentage of drinking water provided by rivers can vary significantly among regions and countries, depending on factors like local water resources, the availability of other freshwater sources, population distribution, and water infrastructure development.

For instance, in regions where there is abundant rainfall or snowfall, rivers may provide the majority of the drinking water, while in drier regions, people may rely more heavily on groundwater, lakes, or reservoirs. Additionally, in countries with limited water resources, water management strategies and infrastructure investments may focus on conserving and treating river water to ensure a safe and reliable supply of drinking water for their populations.

Therefore, while rivers contribute significantly to the world's drinking water supply, the exact amount of water they provide for drinking purposes can vary geographically and is influenced by a combination of hydrological conditions, population dynamics, and water resource management practices.