List of sovereign states by freshwater withdrawal

This is the list of countries by freshwater withdrawal for the year 2020, based on the latest data available in January 2024, by World Bank and Food and Agriculture Organization (AQUASTAT data).

Withdrawals also include water from desalination plants in countries where they are a significant source.

Withdrawals can exceed 100 percent of total renewable resources where extraction from nonrenewable aquifers or desalination plants is considerable or where there is significant water reuse.

Withdrawals for domestic uses include drinking water, municipal use or supply, and use for public services, commercial establishments, and homes.″[4] The level of water stress (freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources) is the ratio between total freshwater withdrawn by all major sectors and total renewable freshwater resources, after taking into account environmental water requirements.

Main sectors, as defined by ISIC standards, include agriculture; forestry and fishing; manufacturing; electricity industry; and services.