Freshwater Initiative | National Geographic

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Restoring Rivers

Rivers and their tributaries are the veins of the planet, pumping freshwater to wetlands, lakes and the sea and supporting thousands of species, including us. Learn more about these critical aquatic ecosystems and how to protect and restore them.

Reducing Footprints

Lower your water footprint by making small changes to your dishwashing, gardening, eating, and consumption habits. Then see how local conservation connects to the preservation of rivers and wetlands globally. Visit our water footprint calculator.

New to Freshwater?

Where Is Earth's Freshwater?

Use this National Geographic magazine map and find out where the planet's 9.25 million trillion gallons are stored.
Freshwater 101

Learn the basics of freshwater and why it's so important to our planet. Not only is the human body 60 percent water, the resource is also essential for producing food, clothing, and computers, moving our waste stream, and keeping us and the environment healthy.
Freshwater 101 Quiz

You might be surprised to learn where water sits around the globe, and how it is used to produce everyday goods. Test your knowledge about freshwater.
The Freshwater Crisis

The world's freshwater resources play a crucial role in feeding, powering, and sustaining all life, but they're not infinite—or invulnerable. Learn what's at stake.
A Freshwater Story Interactive

Earth is a water wealthy planet, but only a tiny portion of its water is available to support people and aquatic species. Learn more about how much freshwater there is, and where it's found.
Dams and Engineering

Freshwater is critical to the global food supply. Learn how technology today can help protect this invaluable resource.
Freshwater and Energy

Energy and water are inextricably linked. Understanding this energy-water nexus can help shine a light on our dependency on both and lead us toward conservation.
How Much Water Per Pound?

How much water does it take to put beef, pork, wheat, and more on your plate? Explore our water footprint interactive and find out.
Freshwater Resources

Looking for more information? There are hundreds of local, national, and global organizations working to restore natural river flows and help use reduce our water use. Visit our list of partners and collaborators to learn more and get involved.

Why Care About Water?

The National Geographic Society’s freshwater initiative is a multiyear global effort to inspire and empower individuals and communities to conserve freshwater and preserve the extraordinary diversity of life that rivers, lakes, and wetlands sustain.

Freshwater Advocates

Sandra Postel

Sandra is a leading authority on international freshwater issues and is spearheading our global freshwater initiative.
Shannon Switzer

Shannon Switzer is an inspring young photographer and conservationist.
Zeb Hogan

Zeb travels to the most endangered freshwater ecosystems striving to save critically endangered fish.

For More Inspiration »

Water Currents, by Sandra Postel and Others

What is Your Water Footprint?

Find out with our footprint calculator, then pledge to cut it!
The Hidden Water We Use

Find out how much water it really takes to support your lifestyle.
Take Action

Help lower your global water footprint and conserve water. Learn what you can do to help.

Support a Water Project

Use National Geographic's Action Atlas to immerse yourself in improving the planet's freshwater resources and protecting its aquatic species.

Amazon Headwaters

Help protect this watershed—for the species that live there and the livelihoods that depend on it.
Cambodia's Crocodiles

Help give the endangered Siamese croc a fighting chance by combating hunting and habitat loss.
The Chesapeake Bay

Help stem the tide of pollution flowing into the bay and smothering aquatic species.