<P> Fresh water is naturally occurring water on Earth 's surface in ice sheets , ice caps , glaciers , icebergs , bogs , ponds , lakes , rivers and streams , and underground as groundwater in aquifers and underground streams . Fresh water is generally characterized by having low concentrations of dissolved salts and other total dissolved solids . The term specifically excludes seawater and brackish water although it does include mineral - rich waters such as chalybeate springs . The term `` sweet water '' ( from Spanish `` agua dulce '' ) has been used to describe fresh water in contrast to salt water . The term `` fresh water '' does not have the same meaning as potable water . Much of the surface fresh water and ground water is unsuitable for drinking without some form of purification because of the presence of chemical or biological contaminants . </P>
<P> Fresh water is naturally occurring water on Earth 's surface in ice sheets , ice caps , glaciers , icebergs , bogs , ponds , lakes , rivers and streams , and underground as groundwater in aquifers and underground streams . Fresh water is generally characterized by having low concentrations of dissolved salts and other total dissolved solids . The term specifically excludes seawater and brackish water although it does include mineral - rich waters such as chalybeate springs . The term `` sweet water '' ( from Spanish `` agua dulce '' ) has been used to describe fresh water in contrast to salt water . The term `` fresh water '' does not have the same meaning as potable water . Much of the surface fresh water and ground water is unsuitable for drinking without some form of purification because of the presence of chemical or biological contaminants . </P>
what 's the name for earth 's supply of water
what 's the name for earth 's supply of water
Fresh water salt water `` sweet water ''
Fresh water salt water `` sweet water ''