Naturally occurring water on the Earth's surface in bogs, ponds, lakes, rivers and streams, and underground as groundwater in aquifers and underground streams.

Fresh water is generally characterised by having low concentrations of dissolved salts and other total dissolved solids.

The term specifically excludes seawater and brackish water although it does include mineral rich waters such as chalybeate springs. The term "sweet water" has been used to describe fresh water in contrast to salt water.