The global indicator on water stress tracks the level of pressure that human activities exert over natural freshwater resources, indicating the environmental sustainability of the use of water resources. A high level of water stress has negative effects on social and economic development, increasing competition and potential conflict among users. This calls for effective supply and demand management policies. Securing environmental flow requirements is essential to maintaining ecosystems healthy, resilient and available for future generations. This indicator addresses the environmental component of the target 6.4. In this report, you can learn more about the baseline situation for water stress.