Annual freshwater withdrawals, total (billion cubic meters)



Countries By Annual freshwater withdrawals, total (billion cubic meters)



Key points



Official Definition of Annual freshwater withdrawals, total (billion cubic meters)

Annual freshwater withdrawals refer to total water withdrawals, not counting evaporation losses from storage basins. Withdrawals also include water from desalination plants in countries where they are a significant source. Withdrawals can exceed 100 percent of total renewable resources where extraction from nonrenewable aquifers or desalination plants is considerable or where there is significant water reuse. Withdrawals for agriculture and industry are total withdrawals for irrigation and livestock production and for direct industrial use (including withdrawals for cooling thermoelectric plants). Withdrawals for domestic uses include drinking water, municipal use or supply, and use for public services, commercial establishments, and homes. Data are for the most recent year available for 1987-2002.



Importance

Annual freshwater withdrawals are a crucial macroeconomic statistic that significantly impacts a country's development and sustainability. A low value of freshwater withdrawals can indicate water scarcity, hindering agricultural production, industrial activities, and overall economic growth. This scarcity can lead to conflicts over water resources, affecting political stability and regional relationships.

Conversely, a high value of freshwater withdrawals may signify excessive water usage, leading to environmental degradation, depletion of aquifers, and potential water quality issues. This overuse can threaten ecosystems, biodiversity, and the availability of clean water for the population, jeopardizing public health and increasing socio-economic disparities.

Therefore, the level of annual freshwater withdrawals is a critical indicator for policymakers to manage water resources sustainably, promote water conservation practices, and implement efficient water allocation strategies. By maintaining a balance in freshwater withdrawals, countries can ensure food security, industrial development, and ecological resilience for long-term prosperity.



Top 10 Countries by Annual freshwater withdrawals, total (billion cubic meters)

Bottom 10 Countries by Annual freshwater withdrawals, total (billion cubic meters)



Regions

Europe

The statistic on annual freshwater withdrawals highlights significant variations among the listed countries. Italy and France stand out with exceptionally high water withdrawals, indicating possible water management challenges despite supporting large economies. On the other hand, Luxembourg and Iceland show notably low withdrawals, reflecting their smaller populations and potentially efficient water usage practices. High withdrawals in countries like Russia and Spain signify substantial water demands for various sectors, posing risks to water scarcity. The impacts of this statistic on countries' development include potential strain on water resources, leading to ecological concerns, agricultural productivity fluctuations, and the need for sustainable water management strategies to ensure long-term socio-economic stability.

Far East: East Asia, SE Asia, Australia

Australia, with 8.64 billion cubic meters, and Brunei, with 0.092 billion cubic meters, show varying levels of freshwater withdrawals. China leads significantly with 568.48 billion cubic meters, while Singapore has the lowest at 0.4987 billion cubic meters. Countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, with 222.635 and 85.86714704 billion cubic meters respectively, face challenges due to high withdrawals. This statistic reflects each country's water management strategies, impacting agricultural output, industrial growth, and overall sustainability. While higher withdrawals may indicate economic activity, they also raise concerns for water scarcity and environmental impacts, necessitating efficient water usage policies and technological investments for long-term development.

ASEAN

Annual freshwater withdrawals data for selected countries ranges from 0.092 billion cubic meters in Brunei to 222.635 billion cubic meters in Indonesia. Indonesia leads in total withdrawals, while Vietnam and the Philippines also have high withdrawal levels. This statistic impacts development differently across countries; for instance, while high withdrawals in Indonesia indicate strong industrial and agricultural activity, they also highlight potential environmental strain. Lower withdrawals in Brunei and Singapore may signify efficient water management but could also suggest limited industrial and agricultural growth. Each country must balance water usage for development while considering sustainability and environmental concerns.

Latin America

Annual freshwater withdrawals data vary significantly among the selected countries. Mexico has the highest withdrawals at 89.548 billion cubic meters, followed by Brazil at 67.19 billion cubic meters and Peru at 38.55 billion cubic meters. These countries show high water usage possibly due to large agricultural sectors. On the other hand, countries like El Salvador and Honduras have relatively low withdrawals, indicating lesser water demand and potentially lower agricultural or industrial activities. High withdrawals can strain freshwater resources, leading to water scarcity and environmental degradation, whereas low withdrawals may indicate underutilization of water resources for economic development. Each country must balance water usage for sustainable development, considering the impact on agriculture, industry, and overall water availability.

Middle East

In terms of annual freshwater withdrawals, the countries listed vary significantly with countries like Iran and Egypt having high withdrawals of 92.95 billion cubic meters and 77.5 billion cubic meters respectively, while countries like Bahrain and Qatar have much lower withdrawals of 0.1551 billion cubic meters and 0.25 billion cubic meters. This discrepancy reflects each country's population size, agricultural practices, industrial development, and natural water resources. Countries with high withdrawals may face challenges of water scarcity, while those with lower withdrawals may have better water management practices but could be more vulnerable to water stress in the future. Sustainable water management and investments in water infrastructure are crucial for all countries to ensure water security and support their socio-economic development.



Rivals

Anglosphere v BRICS

Annual freshwater withdrawals provide valuable insight into a country's resource management. India and China lead in this statistic, reflecting high water demand for agriculture and industry. The United States follows closely, emphasizing its industrial and agricultural activities. Canada and Russia also have substantial withdrawals, benefiting from vast water resources but facing environmental concerns. Brazil's withdrawals support its agriculture sector, while South Africa faces challenges due to water scarcity. Australia and New Zealand have lower withdrawals, indicating better water conservation practices. The UK's withdrawals are moderate, reflecting efficient water usage. This statistic not only affects a country's development in terms of resource availability and sustainability but also highlights disparities in water management practices worldwide, influencing environmental and economic outcomes for each country.

Russia v Ukraine

Annual freshwater withdrawals in the Russian Federation amount to 64.82 billion cubic meters, while Ukraine's withdrawals total 9.459 billion cubic meters. The Russian Federation's significantly higher withdrawals indicate a larger demand for water resources compared to Ukraine. This may be due to the Russian Federation's larger population and industrial base. The advantage for the Russian Federation lies in supporting its vast agricultural and industrial sectors, although over-extraction may strain the environment. For Ukraine, lower withdrawals could imply better water resource management, but it might also suggest limited access to water for development. The impact of this statistic on both countries underlines the importance of sustainable water management for future economic growth and environmental well-being.

France v United Kingdom

France has an annual freshwater withdrawal of 26.27 billion cubic meters, while the United Kingdom withdraws 8.42 billion cubic meters. France's higher withdrawal indicates a greater demand for water resources, potentially reflecting a larger agricultural and industrial sector compared to the United Kingdom. This could signify a more water-intensive economy in France, which may strain water resources and lead to environmental consequences. On the other hand, the United Kingdom's lower withdrawal may indicate a more efficient use of water resources but could also suggest limitations in industrial and agricultural expansion. Efficient water management is crucial for both countries to ensure sustainable development and prevent water scarcity, with France needing to address potential overuse and the United Kingdom focusing on balancing economic growth with resource conservation.

Israel v Iran

Iran's annual freshwater withdrawals are significantly higher at 92.95 billion cubic meters compared to Israel's 1.276 billion cubic meters. This reflects Iran's larger population and agricultural sector, leading to higher water demands. Despite having ample freshwater resources, Iran faces challenges in water management, with potential risks of over-extraction. In contrast, Israel, known for its water conservation technologies, demonstrates efficient use of water resources. However, Israel's limited water availability due to geographic constraints remains a concern. This statistic underscores the importance of sustainable water management for both countries' development, with Iran needing to focus on conservation measures and Israel on expanding water sources.

Saudi Arabia v Iran

Iran reported an annual freshwater withdrawal of 92.95 billion cubic meters, reflecting heavy usage for agriculture, industry, and domestic purposes. In comparison, Saudi Arabia's total withdrawals were significantly lower at 23.38 billion cubic meters. Iran's high water consumption poses challenges like strain on water resources and potential environmental impact. However, it also indicates a robust agricultural and industrial sector. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia's lower withdrawals suggest either more efficient water usage or lower overall water demand. This could indicate better water management practices but might also point to limitations in agricultural and industrial growth. The freshwater withdrawal statistic underscores the importance of water resource management for sustainable development in both countries.

India v Pakistan

India has an annual freshwater withdrawal of 647.5 billion cubic meters, indicating high demand for water resources primarily driven by agriculture and industry. In comparison, Pakistan's annual withdrawal stands at 189.59 billion cubic meters, suggesting a significantly lower but still considerable water usage. India's advantage lies in its diverse agricultural practices, but the drawback includes potential strain on water sources leading to scarcity. Pakistan benefits from a more focused irrigation system but may face challenges in water management efficiency. This statistic underscores the need for sustainable water usage practices in both countries to ensure long-term development and environmental stability.

Turkey v Greece

For the Annual freshwater withdrawals statistic, Greece reports 10.122 billion cubic meters while Turkey reports 61.53358 billion cubic meters. Turkey's significantly higher withdrawal amount compared to Greece reflects its larger population and economy. This higher withdrawal rate may indicate greater water demands for agriculture, industry, and domestic uses. Turkey benefits from ample water resources but may face challenges in managing such large withdrawals sustainably. In contrast, Greece's lower withdrawals may suggest more efficient water usage practices, potentially leading to lower water stress levels. However, Greece could be at risk of insufficient water availability for future development projects. Overall, managing freshwater withdrawals is crucial for both countries' sustainable development and environmental resilience.

China v Japan

In terms of annual freshwater withdrawals, China, People's Republic of leads significantly with 568.48 billion cubic meters, showcasing its heavy reliance on water resources for various sectors including agriculture, industry, and domestic use. On the other hand, Japan's withdrawals stand at 78.4 billion cubic meters, indicating a much lower water consumption compared to China. China's advantage lies in its vast resources catering to its large population and industrial base, but it faces the disadvantage of potential strain on water availability and quality. Japan's advantage lies in its efficient water management practices, yet its disadvantage may be limited water security. This statistic impacts China's development by highlighting its water-intensive economy and the need for sustainable water management practices, while for Japan, it emphasizes the importance of water conservation and efficiency in the face of limited resources.



FAQs