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water supply
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Rows of young lettuce plants in a field being watered by a long overhead irrigation sprinkler system. World map displaying projected water stress levels by country for the year 2040, using color shading from light yellow for low stress to dark brown for extremely high stress. The map highlights that countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of South and Central Asia are expected to experience the highest levels of water stress, while much of North America, Europe, and parts of Asia and Africa are projected to have lower stress. A legend in the lower left explains the color categories
Searching for sustainable water supplies in Namibia
Explore the water supply and sanitary facilities of ancient Ostia, Italy
At a Glance
Lake Mead is seen in the distance behind a dead creosote bush in an area of dry, cracked earth that used to be underwater near where the Lake Mead Marina was once located on June 12, 2021 in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada.
Comprehension Quiz: Water Scarcity
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water glass on white background. (drink; clear; clean water; liquid)
Water and its Varying Forms
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irrigation sprinklers
irrigation sprinklers Lettuce field with irrigation sprinklers.

water supply

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•History

News •

1 in 4 data centers run in areas with stressed water supply, study finds • Nov. 9, 2026, 1:00 PM ET (Washington Post)

water supply, available water provided to fulfill a particular need. If the need is domestic, industrial, or agricultural, the water must fulfill both quality and quantity requirements. Water supplies can be obtained by numerous types of engineering projects, such as wells, dams, or reservoirs. See water-supply system.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Robert Curley.