What percentage of the total water on Earth do global freshwater supplies represent?

Global freshwater supplies represent only one percent of the Earth's total water. This is a crucial fact in understanding water resources, as most of the planet's water—approximately 97%—is saltwater found in oceans, while the remaining two percent is locked up in glaciers and ice caps, which are not easily accessible. The small percentage of freshwater available is vital for human consumption, agriculture, and ecosystem health. Recognizing this limited availability highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices to conserve and protect freshwater resources.