From rainwater harvesting in one Indian village to an aggressive conservation program in an American city, communities around the world are finding ways to manage the water demands of growing populations and expanding economies. We’re inviting scientists, community leaders, water managers, conservationists, and activists to share the lessons they’ve learned from the field—and the innovative solutions they’ve found. We hope their stories will build a shared sense of community and motivate the public across the world to conserve freshwater and the diversity of life it sustains.
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Why We Shouldn’t Dam the World’s Most Productive River
New dam projects in Laos and Thailand threaten the biodiversity of Asia’s Mekong River. National Geographic Fellow Zeb Hogan tells us what needs to happen in order to save the region's giant fish.
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Damming the Omo to Stop the Flow of Ethiopia’s Cultural Diversity?
An ancient way of life that sustains 200,000 people could be lost if the Ethiopian Government can find the money to build a big new hydroelectric dam on the Omo River.
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After Decades of Conflict, Adversaries Join Forces to Save the Klamath
The Klamath is a unique river that winds hundreds of miles through the high desert of Oregon and into the forests of northern California. It historically supported an outstanding abundance of fish and wildlife, including the third largest salmon run on the West Coast of the United States.
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In Honduras, Trying to Learn the Secrets of a River Before It's Dammed
In 2006, the Honduran government approved a hydroelectric dam on the Patuca River. Downstream of the proposed dam site stretches the largest wilderness in Central America, home to thousands of indigenous people, and now at risk.
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Dam Removal and River Restoration, Maine
Rebirth, renewal, resurrection. Everyone loves second chances. Rivers in particular have an uncanny ability to bounce back from a wide variety of insults and injuries. The removal of the Edwards Dam on the Kennebec River in Maine provides an excellent example.
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Rainwater Harvesting Finds Traction in India
How will vast regions of India cope with unreliable rainfall? One remote village is setting an example for the rest of the country, and world.
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Boston Water Conservation Success
It’s hardly in a water-short region, so it may come as a surprise that Boston, Massachusetts, stands out as one of the biggest success stories in urban water conservation in the U.S.
Freshwater Heroes
More About Freshwater
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Water Conservation Tips
Learn how to cut gallons from your household use, diet, energy, transportation, and consumer choices.
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10 Things You Can Do
The average American lifestyle demands 1,800 gallons a day to support, with 70 percent of that going to support our diets—more than twice the global average for daily use.
Freshwater Videos
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Water Blog Posts
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Bottled Water is Booming
Despite environmental impacts, Americans are buying more bottled water than ever.
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Salt Threatens World's Largest Mangrove Forest
Agriculture and development imperil the Sundarbans in South Asia.
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Protecting Rivers From Dams
New solutions are needed for ecosystems and livlihoods.
Explore Freshwater
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Written in Water
Read a collection of essays authored by heroes and leaders in the field of water solutions and innovations.
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Eco Rescue: Rivers Game
Challenge yourself to the limit in this extreme river cleanup game.
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The World's Water
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Water for a Thirsty World
Safeguarding one of the world's most important resources.
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Visualizing Our Global Water Footprint
You might be surprised to see how the daily choices you make affect critical watersheds around the world.
Water Conservation Tips
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Water Conservation Quiz
Be water wise and see how you can save this vital resource from going down the drain.
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Toilets
Toilets account for nearly 25 percent of home water consumption. Learn how to pick a new one that saves resources.
