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How much natural water is there?

Earth is estimated to hold about 1,386,000,000 cubic kilometers of water. The breakdown of where all that water resides is estimated as follows:

  • Oceans (saline) 1,338,000,000 cubic kilometers
  • Ice caps and glaciers (fresh) 24,064,000 cubic kilometers
  • Groundwater (fresh and saline) 23,400,000 cubic kilometers
  • Streams, lakes, swamps (fresh) 104,590 cubic kilometers
  • Lakes (saline) 85,400 cubic kilometers
  • Other--soil, atmosphere, biosphere (fresh) 330,520 cubic kilometers

Learn More: How Much Water is There on Earth?