Glacial water is the meltwater that comes from glaciers, which are large masses of ice formed from compacted snow over many years. As glaciers melt due to rising temperatures, they release this fresh water, which flows into rivers, lakes, and oceans. This water is often very pure and contains minerals that can be beneficial for drinking and irrigation. The process of glacial melt is influenced by climate change, which is causing glaciers around the world, such as those in the Arctic and Antarctica, to shrink. This reduction in glacial mass can impact ecosystems and water supplies for communities that rely on glacial meltwater for their freshwater needs.