 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 Waewata, D. Wisser, and M. F. P. Birkins.