Introduction
When we are taking about water, we are talking of a compound that is colorless, odorless and transparent and is the main component of the oceans, lakes, streams on the earth surface.
Water is also a biological fluid for most living organisms. Water coming into contact with most substances makes them wet.
When water is frozen, it hardens or solidifies into ice. When water is heated it evaporates into steam or vapor. These two processes or states are both reversible. Water has a specific melting and boiling point which plays instrumental roles in techniques of either separation or purification.
Importance of drinking water
Drinking water is good for the body. It has a variety of scientific and therefore health benefits to the body that can be seen or unseen but the bottom line is that it is very important. Some of the reasons include the fact that:
- Drinking water helps in the maintenance of the balance of body fluids. Body fluids help in digestion, absorption, circulation among other processes.
- Water also helps in the control of calories because it forms a very good substitute fir drinks which are known to contain calories.
- Water helps achieve muscle energy because of the fact that it helps prevent muscle fatigue particularly during exercise the opposite of which will lead in to shriveling of muscle cells.
- Water is instrumental in good looking skin as a healthy skin contains a lot of water and serves as a protective barrier to prevent extreme loss of body fluids.
- Water also helps the kidneys perform its function because a water soluble waste can easily be dissolved. When intake of fluids is adequate, urine flows freely, is light in color, absent of odor.
- Water also helps in the maintenance of bowel function because it makes processes such as constipation very rare and makes digestion very easy and efficient.
- Water also helps in refreshing and revitalizing the body.
How much of the world has clean water
Research and science has provided evidence that about 70% of the earth surface is covered by water. Most of this water is contained in the oceans. However, as much as there is a lot of water on the planet, not all people are able to access clean and uncontaminated water. There is only 2.5% of clean and fresh water that is available in the world. The highest percentage of water on earth is salty water. Of the 2.5% of clean water, only 1% can be accessed by people as the rest in found in mountain glaciers and snowfields.
Preventing water wastage
How to prevent water wastage in schools
- Installing rain water tanks that will help in the collection of rain water for use.
- Installing aerators or taps which makes water use more organized as opposed to bucket pouring and collection
- Creating awareness on the importance of using water wisely.
- Using refillable water bottles help conserve water as none is wasted drinking directly from taps and water outlets.
- Reporting leaks so that they can be fixed by the school management will also help reduce wastage.
- Responsibility in the sense that you turn of the tap when you are not using it.
Preventing water wastage in the kitchen
- Wash utensils and other things is a bowl or the sink and not in running tap water.
- Defrosting frozen produce in the refrigerator or microwave.
- Cooking one-pot meals as opposed to different meals in different pots.
- Steaming food as opposed to boiling will also reduce wastage of water.
- Reuse cooking water where possible.
- Using smaller pots and less water during boiling practices
How to save water in the bathroom
- When running a bath, it is important to plug the bathtub before you turn on the faucet.
- Taking shorter showers, say 5 minutes is also a strategy.
- Checking toilets for leakages because they can be silent will also help reduce wastage.
- Turning off the tap when you are brushing your teeth will save a lot of water.
- Checking the faucets and the shower heads for any leakages will save the drops of water wastage that accumulate to gallons.
- Making sure that taps and other outlets are tightly closed.
Marine water pollution
This kind of water pollution is achieved through malpractices and laxity. It is also due to environmental irresponsibility like the following.
- Disposing of toxic wastes and dumping garbage into the water bodies.
- Oil spillage due to leakages or accidents that happen when ships and other water vessels are in the sea.
- Soil erosion which carries and dumps soil that has pesticides and fertilizers into water bodies.
- Industries emissions into water bodies.
- Acid rain that is caused by air pollution also causes harm to marine plants and animals.
Uses of water
Water is used to or in the following situations:
- For domestic purposes like cooking, drinking, bathing and even washing.
- For agricultural purposes like farming, gardening and keeping or rearing fish.
- Water is also used in industrial purposes like manufacturing.
- For recreation purposes like swimming, rafting, boating and even surfing.
- Generation of electricity in hydro-power mechanisms.
Conclusion
Water is a very important natural resource that has the potential of running out if not well conserved. It is one of the most fundamental commodities that any and every household needs hence the need to use it wisely. Practices such as deforestation will interfere with the reliability of water but most importantly is the responsibility or rather, obligation, to take care of what we have so far.