WMO State of Global Water Resources 2025 Report: Key Findings

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) State of Global Water Resources 2025 Report highlights growing pressure on the world’s freshwater resources. The report points to persistent groundwater depletion in India, particularly in the northwestern region, alongside declining terrestrial water storage, dry river conditions and continued glacier mass loss.

The report provides an important assessment of the global hydrological cycle and is highly relevant for UPSC Prelims and Mains, particularly under Environment & Ecology, Geography, Climate Change and Water Resources.

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WMO State of Global Water Resources 2025

Important facts to remember:

What is the State of Global Water Resources Report?

The State of Global Water Resources is an annual assessment published by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

It examines the availability, variability, and status of freshwater resources worldwide and helps explain how climate change and human activities affect the global water cycle.

The assessment has progressively expanded its scope from 3 to 15 hydrological variables, covering important components such as:

• Groundwater
• River discharge
• Terrestrial water storage
• Glaciers
• Soil moisture
• Other components of the hydrological cycle

Key Findings of the WMO Report 2025

1. Groundwater Stress Increasing

Groundwater levels remain a major concern globally.

According to the report, 34% of monitored groundwater stations recorded below-normal or much-below-normal levels in 2025, compared with 25% in 2024.

This indicates increasing groundwater stress in several parts of the world.

2. Groundwater Depletion in India

India remains one of the major regions affected by persistent groundwater deficits.

The report observed groundwater deficits in India during 2022–2025, particularly in the north-western part of the country.

Over-abstraction is a key factor contributing to groundwater depletion.

North-western India has historically experienced intensive groundwater extraction because of:

• Irrigated agriculture
• Water-intensive cropping patterns
• Rapid extraction through tube wells
• Dependence on groundwater for agricultural and domestic requirements

3. Declining Freshwater Storage

The report highlights a persistent decline in global terrestrial water storage since 2014–16.

Terrestrial water storage includes water stored in different components of the land system, including:

• Groundwater
• Soil moisture
• Snow and ice
• Surface water

Northern India recorded below-normal freshwater storage, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to water stress.

4. Drier-than-Normal River Conditions

River discharge is another important indicator of freshwater availability.

In 2025, approximately 36% of the global catchment area experienced drier-than-normal conditions.

Changes in river discharge can affect:

• Irrigation
• Drinking-water availability
• Hydropower generation
• Inland ecosystems
• Flood and drought management

5. Continued Glacier Mass Loss

Glaciers continued to lose substantial amounts of ice during 2025.

The report estimates global glacier mass loss at approximately 408 ± 132 gigatonnes (Gt) in 2025.

This contributed approximately 1.1 ± 0.4 mm to global sea-level rise.

Glacier loss is particularly significant for regions dependent on seasonal meltwater for agriculture, drinking water and hydropower.

Why is Groundwater Depletion in India Important?

Groundwater is a critical component of India’s water security. It supports agriculture, drinking water supplies and several economic activities.

Persistent depletion can lead to:

• Falling water tables
• Higher costs of groundwater extraction
• Reduced irrigation security
• Land degradation and associated environmental impacts
• Increased vulnerability during droughts
• Long-term water insecurity

The issue is particularly important in north-western India, where intensive agricultural activity has contributed to substantial groundwater extraction.

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