Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Clean water access refers to the availability of safe and uncontaminated water for human use and consumption. It means having access to water that is free from pollutants, pathogens, and harmful substances.
Related terms
Water Pollution: Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies (such as rivers, lakes, and oceans) by pollutants such as chemicals, sewage, oil spills, or industrial waste. It poses risks to both human health and aquatic ecosystems.
Water Conservation: Water conservation involves using water efficiently and responsibly in order to preserve this valuable resource. It includes practices like reducing wasteful usage, fixing leaks, and implementing efficient irrigation methods.
Desalination: Desalination is the process of removing salt and other impurities from seawater or brackish water to make it suitable for drinking or irrigation purposes. It helps address freshwater scarcity in coastal regions but requires energy-intensive processes.