ferskvatn

Ferskvatn, commonly referred to in English as freshwater, denotes water with low salinity and low dissolved minerals. In general, freshwater has total dissolved solids well below seawater levels and is suitable for most terrestrial life and human uses. Natural freshwater includes rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater; it is part of the global hydrological cycle and is distinct from saline water in oceans and seas.

Global distribution: Freshwater is unevenly distributed; a large share is stored in ice caps and groundwater, while only a small fraction is found in readily accessible surface waters such as lakes and rivers. Climate, geology, and hydrological processes shape regional availability; human activities influence availability through withdrawal, drought, and pollution.

Uses and management: Freshwater is essential for drinking water, agriculture, industry, energy production, and recreation. Water treatment and infrastructure are often required to make freshwater safe for consumption and use. Sustainable management includes protecting watersheds, reducing pollution, preserving recharge areas for groundwater, and planning for drought and climate variability.

Ecology and threats: Freshwater ecosystems support diverse aquatic organisms and plant life. They are sensitive to nutrient pollution, sedimentation, habitat alteration, invasive species, acidification, and climate change. Protection measures include monitoring water quality, setting pollution limits, and restoring wetlands and riverine habitats.