Without water, there is no life. Some see access to clean drinking water as a fundamental human right, a right disputed by companies that sell bottled water and see water as a scarce resource and therefore profitable. An undisputed fact is that fresh water is getting scarcer, and many future conflicts will be fought over access to water. For World Water Day, we've collected 10 of our favorite water cartoons. For more cartoons about water, visit our cartoon collection.

1. African Children

Stunning artwork by renowned artist Agim Sulaj, contrasting a child's need of water with the greed of bottled water manufacturers.

2. Water for All

The United Nations has for decades been committed to ensuring access to water for all. Have their promises turned into reality, as this cartoon by Giacomo Cardelli suggests?

3. Water Supply

Or is this cartoon by Belgian cartoonist Luc Vernimmen closer to reality?

4. Dry Africa

Although Africa isn't the driest continent (surprisingly, that's Antarctica, followed by Australia in second place), it is the continent where problems caused by drought are most severe. Cartoon by Tomas.

5. Uneven Distribution


Water equals wealth; this cartoon by Martirena from Cuba shows the unequal distribution of water.

6. Spot the Difference

Some children have to walk great distances each day to get fresh water, time that would be better spent in school. Cartoon by Jean Gouders.

7. Water Wars

Water will be a major source of conflict in the 21st century. Cartoon by Vasco Gargalo.

8. Water is Life

Water is life, and fuels our intelligence and creativity. A beautiful image by Fabio Magnasciutti from Italy.

9. Drought

Another image that is more art than cartoon, made by Colombian graphic artist Orlando Cuellar.

10. Thirsty Earth

Water may be life, but hope is life as well. A cartoon by Elchicotriste.