Data on surface water bodies like rivers, dams, reservoirs, and related  flow characteristics, along with assessments for water risks, stress, and flood risk. 

freshwater

Freshwater

Data related to water scarcity, water quality, flood risk, and water stress.

water-risks

Water Risks

_**This dataset has been archived, and we will no longer be updating or maintaining it. We recommend using [this dataset](47053e23-7808-40d9-b4ae-1af73c5c8bab) as a replacement.**_
  
### Overview  
  
This dataset shows the baseline water stress rating for countries and water basins at a national scale. Baseline water stress is a measure of the level of competition for available water and estimates the degree to which freshwater availability is an ongoing concern in a region. The dataset’s main focus is to include detailed and accurate information for the world’s 100 most populous river basins, as they are often areas where water stress is a large concern. Additionally, researchers grouped the final dataset into water usage by different sectors (agricultural, domestic, and industrial) to help understand where water stress in an area is coming from. The dataset was calculated by comparing weighted averages of water withdrawals in a region to the quantity of water available. The results were projected on a global map in five water stress risk categories: low, low to medium, medium to high, high, and extremely high.
  
  
Understanding water stress is integral for human wellbeing. Water is a limited resource and a necessity for life. Water stress can have serious environmental consequences, with damage occurring to natural ecosystems reliant on a steady water supply. Additionally, water stress can lead to human and business conflicts, particularly between industrial and agricultural users that rely on water supply for production.
  
  
This dataset was created by the World Resources Institute (WRI) to assist companies, investors, and governments creating water use policies. 
  
  
### Methodology  
  
Researchers created this global dataset to include the 100 most populous river basins and all countries. Baseline water stress was calculated by dividing the weighted average water withdrawals in a region by the total blue freshwater available. To create the weighted average water withdrawals researchers used information on water withdrawals and divided each region into grid cells. Each grid cell was given a different weight based on the water withdrawals and water available within it. The grid cells were then combined to encompass different regions shown in the final dataset. Researchers further separated the dataset to view water usage in three different sectors (agricultural, domestic, and industrial).
  
  
Baseline water stress values were grouped into five categories when mapped: low, low to medium, medium to high, high, and extremely high. The water stress scores for each category are as follows: Low <1, low to medium 1-5, medium to high 5-10, high 10-20, and extremely high >20. Each category represents the risk of water stress in the area. Data for country boundaries was taken from the Natural Earth Data 10m Admin 0 – Countries dataset. Data on the extent of the 100 most populous river basins was taken from HydroSHEDS 30s Basin Outlines and Gridded Population of the World, v3, Future Estimates 2010 datasets. Gridded weights and source indicators (baseline water stress) were calculated using Aqueduct Global Maps 2.0.
  
  
The final dataset was created in tabular format and projected on a global map of the earth at a national scale. For the full documentation, please click on the “Learn more” button.
  
  
### Additional Information  
  
Resource Watch also shows [interannual variability](https://resourcewatch.org/data/explore/wat052-Aqueduct-Interannual-Variability) and [seasonal variability](https://resourcewatch.org/data/explore/wat053-Aqueduct-Seasonal-Variability) in water supply from the same dataset.  
  
  

Resource Watch shows only a subset of the dataset. Additional data for flood occurrence from 1985 to 2011 and drought severity from 1091 to 2008 is available from the data provider. For access to the full dataset and additional information, click on the “Learn more” button.
  
  
### Visualizing the Data  
  
Our team reformatted this dataset before displaying it on Resource Watch. This data has been mapped on Resource Watch by joining it with Natural Earth boundaries.  
  
### Disclaimer  
  
Excerpts of this description page were taken from the source metadata.

No Team

[Archived] Water Stress Country Ranking

Baseline Water Stress Score