Pollution Shrinks the Supply

Water pollution effectively reduces the freshwater we can actually use. Roughly eighty percent of the world's wastewater is released into the environment without adequate treatment. Agricultural runoff carries fertilizers and pesticides into rivers and groundwater, and industrial discharge adds heavy metals and toxic chemicals.

Emerging contaminants add new dimensions. Microplastics have been found in groundwater, tap water, and bottled water worldwide. Pharmaceutical residues, pesticide runoff, and industrial chemicals contaminate supplies faster than treatment plants can adapt their filtration systems.