What is Earth's largest reservoir of fresh water?

• A. Lakes contain the most fresh water.
• B. Rivers hold the most fresh water.
• C. The atmosphere holds the most fresh water.
• D. The largest portion is in glaciers and groundwater, with lakes and rivers being smaller reservoirs.

Answer: (D)

Most of Earth's fresh water is locked away in stored reservoirs rather than in lakes and rivers. The bulk sits in glaciers and ice caps, with groundwater following as the next largest store beneath the surface. Because of that vast underground and icy storage, lakes and rivers hold far less fresh water in comparison. The atmosphere contains only a tiny amount by comparison. So saying that the largest portion of fresh water is in glaciers and groundwater (with lakes and rivers as smaller reservoirs) accurately reflects how freshwater is distributed on Earth.