 Global water withdrawal and consumption has increased significantly over the past four decades due to population growth and economic development. This study combines a global water demand model with a global hydrological model to analyze the effects of this growth on water resources. The results indicate that surface water and groundwater withdrawals have increased globally, with a greater increase in groundwater withdrawals since the 1990s. Additionally, the study shows that human activity has had a significant effect on terrestrial water storage, particularly in heavily regulated basins like the Colorado River and the Columbia River. This article was authored by YWATA, De Wisser, and MFP Birkins.