Questions and Answers > Common Questions > General Q: Why do we need to manage our water resources? A: Fresh water resources are limited. Water covers 71% of the Earth’s surface but most is too salty for use. Fresh water accounts for only 2.5% of the Earth’s water and two-thirds of it is locked up in glaciers and ice caps. Only 0.08% of the total, which exists as ground water, surface water, and moisture in the air, is available to humans. Water is essential for life. Adequate and safe water is indispensible to feed the growing world population and keep them healthy. In particular, about 70% of the water is used for agriculture. In many countries, waterborne diseases are the leading cause of death for children. Yet, more than 1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water. We see more droughts and floods, and they reduce agricultural output. Worldwide, rapid population growth, climate change, and intensifying pollution lead to imbalance in water supply and demand. In contrast, Hong Kong has been enjoying safe and adequate water supply in the past decade. The city relies heavily on the Dongjiang River in neighbouring Guangdong Province to meet 70 – 80 percent of its water demand and obtains the remaining water from domestic catchments. The Water Supplies Department has maintained a reliable, uninterrupted and adequate supply of water to nearly the entire city’s population at low cost. Nonetheless, growing water demand in the region increases the need to conserve the valuable and scare fresh water resources. GROUPS Common Questions Misunderstandings Technical Questions CATEGORIES General Beach Fishery Red-tide Enviornmental Protection Water Treatment Scientific