Chart of Global Fresh Water Use 1901-2014

Over 2 billion people live in countries experiencing high water stress.
An estimated 4 billion people, nearly two-thirds of the world population, experience severe water scarcity during at least one month of the year. Growing use of water resources impacts sustainability, and creates a rising potential for conflicts among users.
Water use has been increasing worldwide by about 1% per year since the 1980s and is expected to increase by 20% to 30% until 2050. The increase is mainly occurring in developing countries and emerging economies. Per capita water use in most of these countries remains far below developed countries—they are merely catching up.
As the climate changes, dry areas will tend to become drier and wet areas wetter—exacerbating water stress in areas already the most affected. [1]

More Fresh Water Infographics

Sources

Chart: Global International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGB); cited at: ourworldindata.org/grapher/global-freshwater-use-over-the-long-run
1. The United Nations World Water Development Report 2019, "Leaving No One Behind"; https://en.unesco.org/themes/water-security/wwap/wwdr/2019

Tags: global freshwater, water withdrawals, historical use of fresh water, global fresh water use 1901-2014, fresh-water