Freshwater resources are limited, with only less than 2.7% of the world's water being freshwater, primarily locked in ice caps and glaciers. Global freshwater scarcity is exacerbated by population growth, changing consumption patterns, and climate change, leading to inadequate access for over 1.1 billion people and increased competition for water resources. Countries like China, India, and South Africa are projected to face serious shortages in the coming years, while desalination remains an expensive solution to augment freshwater supply.