While only about 2.5% of the Earth's water is freshwater, a large majority of that (69%) is locked up in glaciers and ice caps, primarily in Greenland and Antarctica.

Here's a breakdown of freshwater reserves:

* Ice (glaciers, ice caps, and permafrost): 69%

* Groundwater: 30%

* Surface water (lakes, rivers, swamps): <1%

* Soil moisture: <1%

* Atmospheric water: <1%

This means that although only a small percentage of Earth's water is fresh, most of it is inaccessible for direct use due to its frozen state.