Water, world coverage

Water is indispensable for life, and its use must be understood in the context of the hydrologic cycle. The   IDeAL 2012 sectorial report indicates that the volume of water available for human beings in the planet's land areas is a very small fraction of the total available when added to the water of the oceans, ice masses in the poles and glaciers, and underground waters.         

Two thirds of humanity depend on renewable water resources that come from forests and mountains,  where  57 percent and 28 percent of the planet's superficial waters  generate, respectively. According to calculations carried out on a global scale with respect to the planet's ecosystems, the environmental services of water could have an annual economic value  between two and five quintillion  dollars. 

On average, the annual volume of renewable water resources (superficial and underground water) in Latin America exceeds 20,000 cubic meters per person per  year, according to the balance carried out by the United Nations agency in charge of agriculture and food subjects. This indicator, together with others regarding population and land resources, coverage of potable water and sanitation systems, and health indicators closely related with the water services in the region, are shown in the following computer graphic.   

When comparing the per capita availability of water  in the countries of Latin America with other countries around the world who have less than 1,000 cubic meters per person per year, the region enjoys a relative abundance.