Humans have significantly altered the natural water cycle by taking water from rivers and building infrastructure like dams, aqueducts, and wells. These alterations have both positive and negative consequences for access to clean water worldwide.

While many in industrialized nations take clean water for granted, over 700 million people lack access to clean water, resulting in three and a half million water-related deaths annually. Disparities in water usage are striking, with some regions having as little as 20 liters of water per day.

Water treatment typically involves various stages, including filtration, coagulation, and chlorination. The quality of piped water is ensured through rigorous purification processes, but innovative small-scale developments are helping those without access to clean water.