Overview: This data set shows over 1,500 water intake locations from the first global survey of the water sources of over 500 large cities. The data set was created and published by Rob McDonald and The Nature Conservancy from research on water utilities and their annual reports. The locations were recorded as accurately as possible and freshwater withdrawal points were adjusted to match the underlying hydrographic river system. Some intake points serve multiple water utilities and cities. These water intake locations were identified through research on water utilities or agencies and their annual reports. For each intake location, spatial location was recorded. For freshwater intake points, they were adjusted to match the underlying hydrographic river system.