Scientists tap 'secret' fresh water under the ocean, raising hopes for a thirsty world

Scientists conducting a first-of-its-kind drilling operation have extracted samples of fresh water hiding in massive reservoirs deep under the ocean. Their consortium of more than a dozen nations sank pipes through the seabed muck off Cape Cod this summer to see how old that water is, what organisms live in it and whether it is a renewable resource that could someday slake the planet’s growing thirst. Their search comes as the U.N. forecasts that the global demand for fresh water will exceed supplies by 40% in just five years. On the drilling platform, scientists voiced hope to visiting Associated Press journalists that this so-called secret fresh water can help answer that need.