Kids' Science Challenge #11 Challenge Question: To the nearest whole number, approximately what percentage of Earth's total supply of surface water is usable, fresh water? Answer: one percent (1%) The seas and oceans account for about 97 % of Earth's available surface water supply. About two percent is frozen in icecaps at the North and South Poles and in glaciers. Something less than one percent (1 %) exists as usable fresh water. [500 x 1024 gallons is the total amount of available surface water, and the approximately one percent which is fresh water is something less than 5 x 1024 gallons] Correct answer received from: George (adult), Andrew B., Angela L., Nikki, Vinitra, Jonathan W., JJ,