The water cycle is not static. Human and natural activities can alter the different processes and reservoirs of the hydrologic cycle. Atmospheric changes related to an increase in water vapor can create more precipitation in some areas and alter global weather patterns. An increase in the human population has greatly affected the runoff portion of the water cycle - more people means there is a greater demand for freshwater resources. To help meet local water consumption needs, artificial reservoirs have been constructed for storing water.

The following video summarizes global changes to the water cycle and explains how technology is being used to monitor and assess our water resources.