Global River Discharge Dropped to 35-Year Low in 2025
A new international study reports widespread declines in river levels, glacial mass, and water storage.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Environmental
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Global river discharge reached levels among the lowest recorded in 35 years during 2025, according to a report utilizing data from 3,000 monitoring stations across 68 countries. The findings indicate that river basins worldwide have faced persistent water-level challenges for seven consecutive years.
Why it matters
The decline in terrestrial water storage and glacial mass reflects long-term shifts in global hydrology that impact environmental stability. These changes coincide with a significant human toll, as Asia and Africa experienced over 80% of deaths linked to water-related events in recent years.
Researchers utilized satellite data, modeling, and observations from 3,000 global stations. Data shows a cumulative loss of 1,400 gigatonnes of glacial mass from 2023 to 2025, with two-thirds of monitored boreholes reporting deviations from historical norms.
The details
The report highlights that the share of river basins maintaining normal water levels has remained below the 1991-2020 average for seven years straight. Furthermore, terrestrial water storage has been in a sustained state of decline since the 2014-2016 period, affecting regions from North America to Central Asia.
Timeline
1991-2020 served as the historical baseline period for normal water levels.
Terrestrial water storage began a consistent period of decline in 2014-2016.
Cumulative glacial mass loss reached 1,400 gigatonnes between 2023 and 2025.
River discharge fell to some of the lowest levels in 35 years during 2025.
The Big Picture
This finding updates the long-term trends relative to the 1991-2020 global river basin baseline period. It establishes a shift away from historical hydrological stability as river levels remain consistently below the norm set by that era.
Persistent low river discharge may impact agricultural yields and regional water security for communities dependent on consistent flow. Future monitoring is expected to track how these hydrological shifts affect the stability of global water supplies.
The takeaway
These findings underscore a multi-year trend of declining water storage and glacial loss on a global scale. Stakeholders and regions should prepare for the ongoing challenges associated with this hydrological instability.
Further reading
Explore the full report on Environmental trends to understand the changing global water cycle.
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