5 Water Myths That Are Hurting the Planet

Water is life, but how we talk about it matters just as much as how we use it. As climate change accelerates and freshwater sources dry up or become contaminated, it’s more important than ever to act with clarity and purpose. Yet too many widely believed water myths are steering people, policies, and even well-meaning charities in the wrong direction.

Here are five dangerous clean water myths that are hurting the planet, and what we need to do instead.

1. The Planet Has Plenty of Water – We’ll Never Run Out

Yes, Earth is covered in water. But 97.5% is saltwater, and of the remaining 2.5%, most is trapped in glaciers or underground. That leaves less than 1% of all water accessible for human use. Believing water is endlessly available fuels overuse, waste, and pollution, undermining efforts to protect it.

This myth delays investments in clean water services, sustainability efforts, and infrastructure upgrades. Increases in the world’s population will require an increase in sustainable practices, not complacency.

2. Bottled Water Is Safer and Better for the Environment

The bottled water industry promotes convenience, but at what cost? Producing one plastic bottle takes up to 3 liters of water, and millions of these bottles end up in landfills and oceans each year. Worse, bottled water is less regulated than municipal water in many countries.

This myth creates an environmental crisis masked as a health solution. Trusting bottled water over real investment in clean drinking water access and clean water action diverts focus from systemic change.

3. Large-Scale Desalination Will Solve Global Water Scarcity

Desalination is energy-intensive, expensive, and ecologically damaging. The brine byproduct, a super-concentrated salt solution, gets dumped into oceans, harming marine life. Relying on desalination as a silver bullet for the clean water crisis stalls efforts to expand sustainable solutions like groundwater wells, filtration systems, and community-based infrastructure.

The truth? Desalination is a last resort, not a scalable fix for global clean water needs.

4. Agricultural Water Use Isn’t a Big Deal

Agriculture accounts for 70% of global freshwater use, yet many assume this is efficient and necessary. In reality, much of this water is wasted through outdated irrigation systems, water-intensive crops in arid regions, and runoff pollution.

Ignoring agriculture’s role in the water crisis slows progress toward clean water and sanitation, especially in developing nations where water scarcity overlaps with food insecurity.

5. A “One-Time” Solution Is Enough

Building one well or installing one filter doesn’t guarantee sustainable access to clean water. Many water projects fail within a few years due to lack of maintenance, community training, or local engagement. Believing a one-time donation “fixes” the problem perpetuates a cycle of failed aid.

We need long-term solutions backed by ongoing support, smart engineering, and local ownership. That’s the only way to make clean water initiatives last.

Real Solutions, Real Impact: Embrace Relief’s Clean Water Initiative

Since 2013, Embrace Relief has been cutting through misinformation with action. Through our Clean Water Initiative, we’ve built and restored more than 1,000 deep-water wells, reaching over 1,000,000 people every single day with safe, clean drinking water.

These wells are designed for longevity, equipped with handpumps and installed deep into clean underground aquifers. We provide a five-year warranty and yearly maintenance, because we know that sustainable access isn’t a one-time fix, but a commitment.

Even better? With just $50 a month, you can give 15 people clean water for life. That’s not a myth; that’s measurable, life-changing impact.

Whether you’re passionate about climate justice, global health, or clean water law, your support helps turn water myths into water solutions.

For more information on Embrace Relief’s Clean Water Initiative, click here!