Which statement is TRUE regarding the percentage of fresh water accessible for use?

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Study for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Class D Water Operator License Exam. Access flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Boost your confidence and get ready for the exam!

The statement that only 1% of fresh water is easily accessible is correct because the majority of the Earth's freshwater is locked away in glaciers, ice caps, or is buried deep underground. While approximately 3% of the Earth's water is freshwater, the vast bulk of this water is not readily available for human use. Most of it is in forms that are either difficult to access or in storage that makes it impractical for direct consumption or use. Specifically, the accessible portion includes surface water in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, which collectively represent only a small fraction of the total freshwater available. This makes the 1% figure a critical understanding for discussions regarding water resource management and accessibility.