Global Freshwater Reserves Have Declined Rapidly
The World Meteorological Organization reported record low river flows and significant glacier ice loss in 2025.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Current Conditions
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A new report from the World Meteorological Organization shows that global river flows hit a 35-year low in 2025. Data indicates that 36 percent of the world's river basins experienced below-normal flows during the year.
Why it matters
Land-based water storage, including glaciers and soil moisture, is critical for drought resilience. The ongoing depletion of these resources threatens global stability as natural water cycles face disruption from climate change and human pressure.
Glaciers recorded a loss of 1,400 gigatons of ice between 2023 and 2025. Additionally, 36 percent of global river basins saw flows below normal levels in 2025, marking one of the driest periods in 35 years.
The players
World Meteorological Organization
This is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting international cooperation on atmospheric science and hydrology.
The details
The report highlights that land-based water storage began a sustained decline between 2014 and 2016. Furthermore, major glacier regions worldwide have now recorded ice losses for four consecutive years.
Timeline
Land-based water storage began its decline between 2014 and 2016.
Total glacier ice loss reached 1,400 gigatons between 2023 and 2025.
Global river basins experienced 36 percent below-normal flows in 2025.
Antarctic sea ice reached an unprecedented decline by May 2026.
The WMO published the State of Global Water Resources on October 11, 2026.
Seasonal Patterns
The current findings extend the downward trajectory initiated by the 2014-2016 onset of land-based water storage decline. This sustained loss of glacial and groundwater storage signals a departure from historical stability in global river flow patterns.
Residents in vulnerable regions such as Central Europe and western Canada should monitor local water conservation advisories as glacier meltwater supplies diminish. Following regional guidelines for water usage can help manage the impacts of these record-low river flows.
The takeaway
Global water security depends heavily on the health of land-based storage systems like glaciers. Implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions remains the primary path toward slowing these ice losses and stabilizing future water supplies.
Further reading
For more on the current state of water availability, visit Current Conditions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by S A N A.
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