Water Grabbers - Global Rush on Water

Mali’s Wetlands Drained by Foreign Agribusiness?

Diversions of the Niger River from a vast inland delta to irrigate crops threaten wildlife and traditional ways of life. Learn More »

From Texas to Saudi Arabia, people are growing food and fuel in drylands.

For more than 5,000 years, the Nile has shaped civilization.

Grabbing at Solutions

National Geographic Freshwater Fellow Sandra Postel runs through the options for how to save our watery world.
Grabbing the Colorado From the “People of the River”

Native people continue to suffer in the delta.
Pictures: Unspoiled Rivers

How do we balance population growth and economic security with ecosystem protection?
Visualizing Our Global Water Footprint

See how daily consumer choices impact critical watersheds.
How Much Water Per Pound?

Find out how much water it takes to put beef, wheat, and more on your plate.

Agreement on the Colorado River

A binational agreement may help restore a parched delta.
Restoring a River

An innovative project returns water in Colorado.
The Potential of Drip Irrigation

More crop per drop could help solve the food and water crises.
The High Costs of Free Water

Water isn't really free, because it carries a host of hidden costs.
A River in New Zealand Gets a Legal Voice

Maori people win guardianship over a vital resource.
Our Oversized Groundwater Footprint

A new study reveals how much we rely on aquifers.

Celebrating 125 Years

Explorer Moment of the Week

Is this pebble toad waving to photographer Joe Riis?
Historic Firsts

See our earliest pictures of animals, color, and more.