---
title: "Global water reserves drop, UN warns of erratic water cycle"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/climate/global-water-reserves-drop-un-warns-of-erratic-water-cycle"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/global-water-reserves-drop-un-warns-of-erratic-water-cycle"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/climate/global-water-reserves-drop-un-warns-of-erratic-water-cycle.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/global-water-reserves-drop-un-warns-of-erratic-water-cycle"
category: "Climate"
published: "2026-09-17T13:25:12.880Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-17T12:47:00.000Z"
updated: "2026-09-17T13:30:08.460Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 45
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-17T13:20:43.969Z"
---

# Global water reserves drop, UN warns of erratic water cycle

*A World Meteorological Organization report indicates 2025 was one of the driest years for river flows in 35 years.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claims attributed to WMO and UN, with some specific figures and dates provided.
- Craft 45 of 100, higher is better. Reporting is based on digests, not full articles, limiting depth and detail.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines use strong language like 'running out of water' and 'record lows'.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Global freshwater reserves have dropped, with one report stating they are 42% below the norm.
- 2025 was one of the driest years for river flows in the last 35 years, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
- Continental water storage, including groundwater, rivers, and lakes, has been on a downward trend since 2014-2016.
- The UN warns that the water cycle has become more irregular and unpredictable, with fossil fuel pollution cited as a contributing factor.

Global freshwater reserves have fallen significantly, with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reporting that 2025 was one of the driest years for river flows in the last 35 years. Continental water storage, encompassing groundwater, rivers, lakes, soil, vegetation, snow, and ice, has been on a downward trend since 2014-2016. The United Nations has warned that the water cycle has become more irregular and unpredictable. Fossil fuel pollution is cited as contributing to the Earth's water cycle being off balance.

## Disagreement on water reserve levels

One report states that global freshwater reserves are 42% below the norm, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Other reports do not provide a specific figure for the deficit in global freshwater reserves.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated reports covered this story. The centre-rated reports did not mention the WMO's findings on river flows or continental water storage trends. The right-rated reports did not mention fossil fuel pollution as a cause for the water cycle being off balance.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 71 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 16% (11)
- Centre: 59% (42)
- Right: 25% (18)

57 of 128 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-17T13:20:43.969Z.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 4 times; 1 check found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-17T14:15:18.260Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Left-rated outlets reported that global freshwater reserves are declining, with rivers experiencing one of the driest years in decades in 2025. Ten outlets noted the World Meteorological Organization's warning about the long-term downward trend in water supplies.
- These reports highlighted that over a third of river basins had below-normal water flow. Several outlets also mentioned glacier melt and the increasing irregularity and unpredictability of the water cycle.
- IndexHR, which published a full report, quoted WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo stating that "we are now spending from savings." The outlet also noted that some river basins, like those in South Asia, experienced excess water, indicating a more unstable cycle.

### Centre

- Nine centre-rated reports led on the statement that the Earth's water cycle is off balance, with officials saying it is having a significant impact on everyone. Six of these reports specifically cited fossil fuel pollution as contributing to this imbalance. These reports did not mention the WMO's findings on river flows or continental water storage trends.

### Right

- Four right-rated reports highlighted warnings from the UN and WMO regarding water shortages. Three of these reports mentioned that 2025 was one of the driest years for rivers in the last 35 years. One report stated that global freshwater reserves dropped 42% below the norm. Two reports noted the UN's warning that the El Niño phenomenon will exacerbate the water crisis. None of these reports mentioned fossil fuel pollution as a cause for the water cycle being off balance.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- veryLow: 2
- low: 1
- mixed: 6
- high: 29
- unknown: 56
- veryHigh: 34

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Aktuálně.cz](https://zpravy.aktualne.cz/domaci/svet-se-potyka-s-ubytkem-vody-varovanim-je-i-nedostatek-podzemni-vody-v-cesku/r~aaa29150646afb8c27b72e6b4391da17) — The World Is Facing Water Shortages. The Czech Republic's Groundwater Shortage Is Also a Warning
- [24 heures](https://24heures.ca/2026/09/17/le-cycle-de-leau-est-devenu-plus-irregulier-et-imprevisible-selon-lonu) — The Water Cycle Has Become "More Irregular and Unpredictable", According to the United Nations
- [www.cnews.fr](https://cnews.fr/environnement/2026-09-17/2025-ete-lune-des-annees-les-plus-seches-pour-les-rivieres-1920330) — 2025 Was One of the Driest Years for Rivers
- [frognews.bg](https://frognews.bg/novini/rekite-sveta-presahvat-2025-sred-nay-suhite-tri-desetiletiya.html) — Rivers Around the World Are Drying up – 2025 Is Among the Driest in Three decades...
- [La Nación, Grupo Nación](https://nacion.com/el-mundo/el-ciclo-del-agua-se-esta-volviendo-muy/DR6T7JXGKZGKDJC5NR2N6PJEL4/story) — The Water Cycle Is Becoming Very Unpredictable, Warns the UN
- [Ara.cat](https://ara.cat/medi-i-crisi-climatica/planeta-esgotant-reserves-d-aigua-dolca_1_5852494.html) — The Planet Is Depleting Its Freshwater Reserves
- [20minutos](https://20minutos.es/internacional/organizacion-meteorologica-mundial-advierte-que-planeta-esta-gastando-sus-reservas-agua-dulce_7038024_0.html) — World Meteorological Organization Warns that the Planet Is "Expending Its Reserves" of Fresh Water
- [vz.ru](https://vz.ru/news/2026/9/17/1452354.html) — UN: World Water Reserves Dropped 42% Below the Norm
- [news-pravda.com](https://news-pravda.com/world/2026/09/17/2598692.html) — The planet's water cycle is becoming increasingly erratic, swinging between too little and too much, the United Nations warned Thursday, with an unprecedented El Nino expected to exacerbate the long-term trend
- [belta.by](https://belta.by/world/view/v-oon-predupredili-ob-ugroze-istoschenija-mirovyh-zapasov-presnoj-vody-801506-2026) — UN Warned of the Threat of Depletion of the World ' S Freshwater Resources
- [Blick](https://blick.ch/ausland/experten-warnen-vor-folgen-suesswasser-fliesst-weltweit-in-alarmierendem-tempo-ab-id22262283.html) — Record Lows in Rivers Worldwide
- [RayHaber](https://rayhaber.com/2026/09/dunya-nehirleri-son-35-yilin-en-kurak-donemlerinden-birini-yasadi) — World Rivers Have Experienced One of Their Driest Periods in 35 Years.
- [Il Tempo](https://iltempo.it/tv-news/2026/09/17/video/crisi-climatica-nuovo-allarme-onu-stiamo-esaurendo-riserve-d-acqua-49162567) — Climate Crisis, New UN Alarm: We're Running Out of Water
- [sofokleousin.gr](https://sofokleousin.gr/epikairotita/diethni/to-2025-itan-ena-apo-ta-pio-anydra-eti-edo-kai-dekaeties-gia-ta-p) — 2025 Was One of the Driest Years in Decades for Rivers Around the World
- [Global Diaspora News](https://globaldiasporanews.com/as-freshwater-reserves-shrink-countries-must-prepare-for-a-new-water-reality) — As freshwater reserves shrink, countries must prepare for a new water reality
- [KCCI](https://kcci.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [KCRA 3](https://kcra.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [KETV](https://ketv.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [KHBS](https://4029tv.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [KMBC](https://kmbc.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [KOAT](https://koat.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [KSBW](https://ksbw.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [Koco News5](https://koco.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [MOR-TV](https://mor-tv.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [WAPT](https://wapt.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [WBAL-TV](https://wbaltv.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [WCVB](https://wcvb.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [WDSU](https://wdsu.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [WESH](https://wesh.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [WGAL](https://wgal.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [WISN](https://wisn.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [WLKY](https://wlky.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [WLWT](https://wlwt.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [WMTW](https://wmtw.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [WMUR](https://wmur.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [WPBF](https://wpbf.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [WPTZ](https://mynbc5.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [WTAE](https://wtae.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [WVTM](https://wvtm13.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [WXII](https://wxii12.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [WYFF](https://wyff4.com/article/earth-water-cycle-off-balance/73769489) — Fossil fuel pollution contributing to Earth's water cycle being 'off balance,' officials say
- [L'Humanité](https://humanite.fr/environnement/climat/les-reserves-deau-douce-de-la-planete-sont-au-plus-bas-depuis-30-ans-alerte-lorganisation-meteorologique-mondiale) — The World's Freshwater Reserves Have Been at the Lowest in 30 Years, Warns the World Meteorological Organization
- [Karar Gazetesi](https://karar.com/ekonomi-haberleri/meteoroloji-orgutu-uyardi-kuresel-su-krizi-derinlesiyor-2072514) — The Meteorological Organization Warned: The Global Water Crisis Is Deepening.
- [Reporter.gr](https://reporter.gr/eidhseis/periballon/685694-pagkosmios-organismos-meteorologias-apo-tis-pio-anydres-xronies-to-2025-anisyxia-gia-tin-eparkeia-apothematon-neroy) — World Meteorological Organization: One of the Driest Years in 2025 - Concern About the Adequacy of Water Reserves
- [dunya.com](https://dunya.com/dunya/wmo-raporu-aciklandi-dunyanin-su-kaynaklari-alarm-veriyor-haberi-840386) — WMO Report Released: World Water Resources Are at Alarming Level - Dünya Newspaper
- [Επιλογές](https://epiloges.tv/apo-ta-pio-anydra-eti-edo-ke-dekaeties-gia-ta-potamia-se-olo-ton-kosmo-to-2025) — Among the Driest Years in Decades for Rivers Around the World in 2025
- [Quotidiano Nazionale](https://quotidiano.net/video/esteri/lonu-avverte-il-ciclo-idrologico-globale-e-sempre-piu-imprevedibile-fs7jql6y) — The UN Warns: the Global Hydrological Cycle Is Increasingly Unpredictable
- [ERT NEWS](https://ertnews.gr/eidiseis/diethni/meionontai-ta-apothemata-nerou-apo-ta-pio-anydra-eti-to-2025) — Water Reserves Are Decreasing – Among the Driest Years in 2025
- [face.ba](https://face.ba/vijesti/svijet/svjetske-zalihe-vode-se-smanjuju-rijeke-medju-najsusnijim-u-posljednjih-35-godina/610054) — World Water Supplies Are Shrinking: Rivers Among the Driest in the Last 35 Years | Face | The only Independent Media House
- [La Croix](https://la-croix.com/planete/le-cycle-de-l-eau-est-devenu-plus-irregulier-et-imprevisible-selon-lonu-20260917) — The Water Cycle Has Become "More Irregular and Unpredictable", According to the UN
- [cyprustimes.com](https://cyprustimes.com/viosimotita/sterevoun-ta-potamia-tou-planiti-to-2025-apo-ta-pio-xira-eti-pou-echoun-katagrafei-ta-teleftaia-30-chronia) — The World's Rivers Are Drying up: 2025, One of the Driest Years Recorded in the Last 30 Years
- [Le Huffington Post](https://huffingtonpost.fr/environnement/article/ce-constat-de-l-onu-sur-l-etat-de-nos-reserves-en-eau-n-a-rien-de-rassurant_326273.html) — In Excess or in Shortage, Water Becomes More "Unforeseeable" and This Worries the UN
- [elcorreogallego.es](https://elcorreogallego.es/medio-ambiente/2026/09/17/planeta-lleva-diez-anos-perdiendo-134379353.html) — The Planet Has Been Losing Its Freshwater Reserves for Ten Years.
- [informacion.es](https://informacion.es/medio-ambiente/2026/09/17/planeta-lleva-diez-anos-perdiendo-134379331.html) — The Planet Has Been Losing Its Freshwater Reserves for Ten Years.
- [laprovincia.es](https://laprovincia.es/medio-ambiente/2026/09/17/planeta-lleva-diez-anos-perdiendo-134379352.html) — The Planet Has Been Losing Its Freshwater Reserves for Ten Years.
- [avgi.gr](https://avgi.gr/koinonia/527717_2025-itan-ena-apo-ta-pio-anydra-eti-edo-kai-dekaeties-gia-ta-potamia-se-olo-ton) — Water Alarm / 2025 Was One of the Driest Years in Decades for Rivers Around the World
- [Observador](https://observador.pt/2026/09/17/menos-agua-nos-rios-nos-lagos-e-nos-glaciares-revela-relatorio-da-organizacao-meteorologica-mundial) — Less Water in Rivers, Lakes and Glaciers, Reveals World Meteorological Organization Report
- [Alpha TV](https://alphatv.gr/tech/apo-ta-pio-anidra-eti-edo-kai-dekaeties-gia-ta-potamia) — One of the Driest Years in Decades for Rivers
- [Νέα Κρήτη](https://neakriti.gr/periballon/2200323_wmo-2025-ena-apo-ta-pio-anydra-eti-gia-ta-potamia-pagkosmios-edo-kai-35-hronia) — WMO: 2025 One of the Driest Years for Rivers Worldwide in 35 Years
- [IndexHR](https://index.hr/vijesti/clanak/2025-je-medju-najsusnijim-godinama-u-posljednjih-nekoliko-desetljeca/2835515.aspx) — 2025 Is Among the Driest Years in Recent Decades
- [in.gr](https://in.gr/2026/09/17/in-science/perivallon-b-science/stereyoun-ta-potamia-tou-planiti-apo-ta-pio-ksira-eti-pou-exoun-katagrafei-ta-teleytaia-30-xronia-to-2025) — The World's Rivers Are Drying up: 2025, One of the Driest Years Recorded in the Last 30 Years
- [CNN Greece](https://cnn.gr/kosmos/story/552678/to-2025-itan-ena-apo-ta-pio-anydra-eti-edo-kai-dekaeties-gia-ta-potamia-se-olo-ton-kosmo) — 2025 Was One of the Driest Years in Decades for Rivers Around the World
- [Die Presse](https://diepresse.com/41269497/die-weltweiten-wasserspeicher-schrumpfen-laut-weltwetterorganisation) — Global Water Reservoirs Are Shrinking According to the World Weather Organization
- [Naftemporiki](https://naftemporiki.gr/green/climate/2162713/to-2025-itan-ena-apo-ta-pio-anydra-eti-edo-kai-dekaeties-gia-ta-potamia-exantloyme-ton-apotamieytiko-mas-logariasmo) — 2025 Was One of the Driest Years in Decades for Rivers - "We Are Depleting Our Savings Account"
- [Protothema](https://protothema.gr/environment/article/1880088/pagosmios-organismos-meteorologias-to-2025-itan-ena-apo-ta-pio-anudra-eti-edo-kai-dekaeties-gia-ta-potamia) — World Meteorological Organization: 2025 Was One of the Driest Years in Decades for Rivers Around the World
- [insider.gr](https://insider.gr/eidiseis/425098/2025-itan-ena-apo-ta-pio-anydra-eti-edo-kai-dekaeties-gia-ta-potamia-se-olo-ton) — 2025 Was One of the Driest Years in Decades for Rivers Around the World
- [Iefimerida](https://iefimerida.gr/green/anydra-eti-edo-kai-dekaeties-gia-ta-potamia) — Global Water Reserves Are Decreasing - 2025 Was One of the Driest Years in Decades for Rivers - iefimerida.gr
- [yle](https://yle.fi/a/74-20246719) — WMO: World's Freshwater Reserves Are Dwindling at an Alarming Rate – Signs of Drought Also in Eastern Finland
- [ΑΘΗΝΑ 9,84](https://athina984.gr/2026/09/17/to-2025-itan-ena-apo-ta-pio-anydra-eti-edo-kai-dekaeties-gia-ta-potamia-se-olo-ton-kosmo) — 2025 Was One of the Driest Years in Decades for Rivers Around the World
- [Business Daily](https://businessdaily.gr/diethni/232546_anisyhia-gia-ta-potamia-pagkosmios-logo-meiosis-apothematon-neroy) — 2025 Is Among the Driest Years for Rivers Worldwide
- [ndr.de](https://ndr.de/nachrichten/info/un-wetterorganisation-weltweite-wasserkrise-verschaerft-sich,audio-3481944.html) — UN Weather Organization: Global Water Crisis Worsens
- [ecoticias.com](https://ecoticias.com/medio-ambiente/el-planeta-esta-agotando-sus-reservas-de-agua-dulce) — The Planet Is Running Low on Its Freshwater Reserves.
- [Avaz.ba](https://avaz.ba/vijesti/globus/1073161/alarmantno-upozorenje-wmo-a-rijeke-sirom-svijeta-medju-najsusnijima-u-posljednjih-35-godina) — Alarming WMO Warning: Rivers Around the World Among the Driest in the Last 35 Years
- [연합뉴스-Yonhap News Agency](https://yna.co.kr/view/AKR20260917146300009) — Global Water Resources on Red Light… Rivers Dryest in 35 Years
- [suedtirolnews.it](https://suedtirolnews.it/chronik/die-weltweiten-wasserspeicher-schrumpfen) — Global Water Reservoirs Are Shrinking
- [efeverde.com](https://efeverde.com/el-planeta-acumula-diez-anos-perdiendo-reservas-de-agua-dulce) — The Planet Accumulates Ten Years Losing Fresh Water Reserves
- [vienna.at](https://vienna.at/die-weltweiten-wasserspeicher-schrumpfen/10472810) — Global Water Reservoirs Shrink: WMO Report 2025
- [cedarnews.net](https://cedarnews.net/german/990579/bericht-wmo-wasserspeicher-schrumpfen-weltweit) — WMO Report: Water Reservoirs Shrink Worldwide
- [Tagesschau](https://tagesschau.de/wissen/klima/wmo-bericht-zu-wasserressourcen-100.html) — WMO Report: Water Reservoirs Shrink Worldwide
- [ORF.at News](https://orf.at/stories/3442403) — WMO: Global Water Reservoirs Shrink
- [jabuka.tv](https://jabuka.tv/ciklus-vode-na-planeti-postaje-sve-nepredvidljiviji-zalihe-slatke-vode-u-padu-vec-deset-godina) — The Planet's Water Cycle Is Becoming Increasingly Unpredictable: Freshwater Supplies Have Been Declining for Ten Years
- [n-tv](https://n-tv.de/wissen/Wasserspeicher-schrumpfen-weltweit-vor-allem-aber-in-Europa-id31314971.html) — Alarming Figures of the WMO: Water Reservoirs Are Shrinking Worldwide - Especially in Europe
- [rador.ro](https://rador.ro/2026/09/17/onu-avertizeaza-ca-ciclul-global-al-apei-devine-din-ce-in-ce-mai-neregulat-osciland-intre-extreme) — The UN Warns that the Global Water Cycle Is Becoming More and More Irregular, Swinging Between Extremes.
- [Klix](https://klix.ba/vijesti/svijet/zastrasujuce-upozorenje-rijeke-sirom-svijeta-imale-jednu-od-najsusnijih-godina-u-posljednje-tri-decencije/260917009) — Frightening Warning: Rivers Around the World Have Had One of the Driest Years in the Last Three Decades
- [Moneycab](https://moneycab.com/klima-umwelt/die-weltweiten-wasserspeicher-schrumpfen) — Global Water Reservoirs Are Shrinking
- [Channels Television](https://channelstv.com/2026/09/17/worlds-water-cycle-becoming-more-unpredictable-un-warns) — World's Water Cycle Becoming More Unpredictable, UN Warns
- [nicematin.com](https://nicematin.com/meteo/climat/plus-irregulier-et-imprevisible-l-onu-alerte-sur-le-dereglement-du-cycle-de-l-eau-a-l-echelle-mondiale-10724949) — "More Irregular and Unpredictable": UN Warns About Global Water Cycle Disruption and No One Is Spared
- [LiFO](https://lifo.gr/now/perivallon/2025-itan-ena-apo-ta-pio-xira-eti-poy-ehoyn-katagrafei-gia-toys-potamoys-symfona-me) — 2025 Was One of the Driest Years on Record for Rivers, Study Finds
- [Noticias ao Minuto](https://noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/3052786/menos-agua-nos-rios-nos-lagos-e-nos-glaciares-relatorio) — Less Water in Rivers, Lakes and Glaciers: 2025 Was the Worst Years
- [Radio France Internationale](http://rfi.fr/en/international-news/20260917-world-s-water-cycle-becoming-more-unpredictable-un-warns) — World's water cycle becoming more unpredictable, UN warns
- [France24](http://france24.com/en/live-news/20260917-world-s-water-cycle-becoming-more-unpredictable-un-warns) — World's water cycle becoming more unpredictable, UN warns
- [ARY News](https://arynews.tv/worlds-water-cycle-becoming-more-unpredictable-un) — World's water cycle becoming more unpredictable, UN warns
- [Free Malaysia Today News](https://freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/09/17/river-flows-were-among-driest-in-decades-in-2025-says-world-meteorological-organization) — River flows were among driest in decades in 2025, says World Meteorological Organization
- [Le Temps](https://letemps.ch/sciences/le-cycle-de-l-eau-devient-plus-irregulier-et-imprevisible-alerte-l-onu) — Water Cycle Becomes "More Irregular and Unpredictable" UN Alerts
- [The Straits Times](https://straitstimes.com/world/worlds-water-cycle-becoming-more-unpredictable-un-warns) — World’s water cycle becoming more unpredictable, UN warns
- [Zeit Online](https://zeit.de/news/2026-09/17/wmo-die-weltweiten-wasserspeicher-schrumpfen) — Climate and Water: WMO: Global Water Reservoirs Are Shrinking
- [rtl.lu](https://today.rtl.lu/news/world/worlds-water-cycle-becoming-more-unpredictable-un-warns-591364102) — World's water cycle becoming more unpredictable, UN warns
- [Devdiscourse](https://devdiscourse.com/article/science-environment/3978214-global-rivers-dry-up-a-decade-long-trend-alarming-the-world) — Global Rivers Dry Up: A Decade-Long Trend Alarming the World | Science-Environment
- [Dagens Nyheter.](https://dn.se/varlden/planetens-forrad-av-farskvatten-fortsatter-att-minska) — The Planet's Freshwater Supply Continues to Dwindle
- [The Jakarta Post](https://thejakartapost.com/world/2026/09/17/river-flows-were-among-driest-in-decades-in-2025-un-says) — River flows were among driest in decades in 2025, UN says - Europe
- [Spiegel](https://spiegel.de/wissenschaft/natur/uno-bericht-landwirtschaft-verschaerft-weltweite-grundwasserkrise-a-521194ab-e457-414c-83c3-05402f7688a2) — (S+) New Uno Report: Soil Is Losing Water – and Agriculture Is Intensifying the Crisis
- [Arab News](https://arabnews.com/world/worlds-water-cycle-becoming-more-unpredictable-un-warns-3002032) — World’s water cycle becoming more unpredictable, UN warns
- [Nieuws.nl](https://nieuws.nl/buitenland/wmo-waarschuwt-voor-grillig-watersysteem-met-opdrogende-reserves) — WMO Warns of Erratic Water System with Drying Reserves
- [dagelijksestandaard.nl](https://dagelijksestandaard.nl/nieuws/wmo-waarschuwt-voor-grillig-watersysteem-met-opdrogende-reserves) — WMO Warns of Erratic Water System with Drying Reserves
- [welingelichtekringen.nl](https://welingelichtekringen.nl/samenleving/wmo-waarschuwt-voor-grillig-watersysteem-met-opdrogende-reserves) — WMO Warns of Erratic Water System with Drying Reserves
- [Nettavisen](https://nettavisen.no/nyheter/wmo-jordas-vannreserver-tappes-ar-etter-ar/s/80-95-84990) — WMO: Earth's Water Reserves Are Being Depleted Year After Year
- [Reuters](https://reuters.com/sustainability/cop/river-flows-were-among-driest-decades-2025-world-meteorological-organization-2026-09-17) — River flows were among driest in decades in 2025, World Meteorological Organization says
- [Science Media Centre](https://sciencemediacentre.org/the-state-of-global-water-resources-2025) — The State of Global Water Resources 2025
- [op-online.de](https://op-online.de/welt/wmo-die-weltweiten-wasserspeicher-schrumpfen-zr-94496139.html) — WMO: Global Water Reservoirs Are Shrinking
- [RN](https://ruhrnachrichten.de/dpa-infoline-zvr/wmo-die-weltweiten-wasserspeicher-schrumpfen-w-2002230227) — WMO: Global Water Reservoirs Are Shrinking
- [bbv-net.de](https://bbv-net.de/dpa-infoline-zvr/wmo-die-weltweiten-wasserspeicher-schrumpfen-w1249188-6000628421) — WMO: Global Water Reservoirs Are Shrinking
- [Liberation](https://liberation.fr/environnement/climat/entre-penuries-et-exces-le-cycle-de-leau-devient-de-plus-en-plus-irregulier-et-imprevisible-alerte-lonu-20260917_XGBYOIAZJBGZLFB5FHFSCSILKE) — Between Shortages and Excesses, the Water Cycle Becomes More and More "Irregular" and "Unpredictable", Warns the UN
- [onetz.de](https://onetz.de/deutschland-welt/wmo-weltweiten-wasserspeicher-schrumpfen-id5503482.html) — WMO: Global Water Reservoirs Are Shrinking
- [nordbayern.de](https://nordbayern.de/schlagzeilen/wmo-die-weltweiten-wasserspeicher-schrumpfen-1.15281479) — WMO: Global Water Reservoirs Are Shrinking
- [WTVB](https://wtvbam.com/2026/09/17/river-flows-were-among-driest-in-decades-in-2025-world-meteorological-organization-says) — River flows were among driest in decades in 2025, World Meteorological Organization says
- [Hola News](https://holanews.com/la-omm-advierte-que-las-reservas-de-agua-globales-se-estan-agotando-ante-las-crecientes-sequias) — WMO Warns that Global Water Reserves Are Running Low in the Face of Growing Droughts
- [Le Monde](https://lemonde.fr/planete/article/2026/09/17/declin-du-stock-d-eau-douce-l-organisation-meteorologique-mondiale-alerte-sur-les-graves-implications-pour-l-avenir_6775972_3244.html) — Freshwater Stock Decline: World Meteorological Organization Warns About "Serious Implications for the Future"
- [abc](https://abc.es/sociedad/reserva-hidrica-mundial-lleva-anos-disminuyendo-agotando-20260917060100-nt.html) — The World Water Reserve Has Been Declining for More than 10 Years: "We Are Running Out of Savings Account"
- [Handelsblatt](https://handelsblatt.com/technik/forschung-innovation/klima-und-wasser-wmo-die-weltweiten-wasserspeicher-schrumpfen/100255211.html) — Climate and Water: WMO: Global Water Reservoirs Are Shrinking
- [inFranken.de](https://infranken.de/ueberregional/newsticker-national/wissenschaft/wmo-die-weltweiten-wasserspeicher-schrumpfen-art-6396489) — WMO: Global Water Reservoirs Are Shrinking
- [stern.de](https://stern.de/panorama/wissen/klima-und-wasser--wmo--die-weltweiten-wasserspeicher-schrumpfen-38264754.html) — Climate and Water: WMO: Global Water Reservoirs Are Shrinking
- [Novinky.cz](https://novinky.cz/clanek/pocasi-svet-rychle-prichazi-o-zasoby-vody-varuje-wmo-40597832) — The World Is Rapidly Losing Water Supplies, Warns WMO
- [RTÉ](https://rte.ie/news/2026/0917/1591833-world-rivers) — World rivers experience driest year in decades
- [asiae.co.kr](https://asiae.co.kr/article/2026091711204937937) — The Earth's Rivers Are Drying Up... Last Year's River Flow Hits 35-Year Low
- [saarbruecker-zeitung.de](https://saarbruecker-zeitung.de/saarland/hochschule/wmo-die-weltweiten-wasserspeicher-schrumpfen_aid-154935973) — Climate and Water: WMO: Global Water Reservoirs Are Shrinking
- [volksfreund.de](https://volksfreund.de/nachrichten/wissenschaft/wmo-die-weltweiten-wasserspeicher-schrumpfen_aid-154935981) — Climate and Water: WMO: Global Water Reservoirs Are Shrinking
- [wz.de](https://wz.de/panorama/wissenschaft/wmo-die-weltweiten-wasserspeicher-schrumpfen_aid-154935977) — WMO: Global Water Reservoirs Are Shrinking
- [UN News](https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/09/1168350) — As freshwater reserves shrink, countries must prepare for a new water reality

## Questions

**How dry was 2025 for global river flows?**

According to the World Meteorological Organization, 2025 was one of the driest years for river flows in the last 35 years. This indicates a significant reduction in water levels across the world's rivers during that period.

**What is the trend in continental water storage?**

Continental water storage, which includes groundwater, rivers, lakes, soil, vegetation, snow, and ice, has been on a downward trend since 2014-2016. This indicates a long-term depletion of water resources across the planet.

**What does the UN warn about the water cycle?**

The United Nations warns that the water cycle has become more irregular and unpredictable. This erratic behaviour is a significant concern for global water availability and management.

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MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/climate/global-water-reserves-drop-un-warns-of-erratic-water-cycle. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Global water reserves drop, UN warns of erratic water cycle", https://mediabias.news/climate/global-water-reserves-drop-un-warns-of-erratic-water-cycle