The stress on China's water resource became so severe that over 82 million people live with a water shortage. Another problem is that countries withdraw non-renewable water, Miller said. In Libya, underground water is withdrawn at a tremendous rate to irrigate land. When it runs out I don't know what they will turn to. Additionally, pollution of water is endangering the world's fresh water supply.
Water is polluted by agriculture, residential and industrial wastes.
Polluted water is a problem in Peru, Miller said. Twenty-nine percent of the poor's income is spent on boiling water to make it safe. And in the United States we basically get it for free. However, this may not last for long. Population growth also places a great deal of pressure on water, Miller said.