Which water type comprises the vast majority of Earth's water supply?

Saltwater is indeed the type of water that makes up the vast majority of Earth's water supply, accounting for approximately 97.5% of all the water found on our planet, primarily located in the oceans. This vast expanse of saltwater plays a pivotal role in Earth's climate regulation, marine biodiversity, and global water cycles.

Freshwater, while essential for human consumption and many ecological processes, constitutes only about 2.5% of the Earth's total water supply, with most of it locked away in glaciers and ice caps, as well as underground aquifers. Recycled water refers to treated wastewater that is reused, and its volume is a small subset of the overall water supply. Surface water, such as lakes and rivers, also represents a small fraction of the total water available on Earth.

Understanding the distribution of these water types is crucial for managing water resources and addressing global challenges related to water scarcity and environmental sustainability.