1) Freshwater supplies are becoming increasingly scarce as the global population grows and water is wasted through unsustainable practices. 2) Many areas will face water shortages by 2025 if practices do not change, threatening both human and aquatic populations. 3) Solutions like improved agricultural techniques and water conservation can help ease shortages, but widespread action is needed to address this growing crisis.

1. Water… “The Oil of the 21st Century” By: Sara Nauman

5. Not Just Affecting the Human Population…. Threats to Biodiversity Aquatic biodiversity is being threatened. Fresh-water habitats support many at risk animal groups. These include fish, mussels, amphibians , and crustaceans . Fresh-water habitats are threatened by many factors, including pollution from industry, increased acidification, and agricultural runoff containing residues of fertilizers or pesticides . In addition, the building of dams destroys many river ecosystems. Development can harm aquatic habitats or remove them altogether, as when marshy areas are filled.

6. "Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink" “ An epic drought in Georgia threatens the water supply for millions. Florida doesn’t have nearly enough water for its expected population boom. The Great Lakes are shrinking. Upstate New York’s reservoirs have dropped to record lows. And in the West, the Sierra Nevada snowpack is melting faster each year. Across America, the picture is critically clear - the nation’s freshwater supplies can no longer quench its thirst. The government projects that at least 36 states will face water shortages within five years because of a combination of rising temperatures, drought, population growth, urban sprawl, waste and excess.” -The Coming U.S. Water Shortage: Newest Dire Prediction, 2007 PREDICTIONS