and Why is it Important?

By Staff
waterhead.com
October 15, 2011

The term water comes from the Anglo-Saxon and Low German word, wter. This term is used to refer to the dynamic liquid compound that is formed when 2 atoms of hydrogen and 1 atom of oxygen combine. Water is colorless, odorless and tasteless and is crucial in all living things. This is a simple definition of what is water.

What is Water - Forms of Water

Over 70 percent of the Earths surface is covered by water. This liquid compound exists abundantly in different areas and in a variety of forms. The majority of it is in the polar ice region and in oceans. Water can take the form of mountain glaciers, icebergs, aquifers, rivers, freshwater lakes, clouds and rain. The compound is perpetually changed from one form to the other. For it to be transported from one place to another, it evaporates and then precipitates before finally draining back to the sea. This water cycle brings about weather changes and different environmental conditions, and is essential to the balance of both plant and animal life.

The moons gravity causes a pull on the water bodies on earth and leads to differences in water levels in different places. Sea tides and waves are some of the noticeable changes that occur due to the moons gravity pull on water.

What is Water - The importance of Water

All forms of life need water for their existence. Human beings require water for their body systems to function properly. The water also helps to cool down the body, removes waste, transports oxygen to various cells and helps in digestion. Without water, people can suffer from dehydration, which will make them weak, experience back pains, constipate and have other problems.

Water is also important in civilizations. We require water for various purposes including irrigation, cleaning, manufacturing, fire fighting, bathing, electricity, transport, trade, recreation among others.

What is Water - Water Stress

Water stress refers to a situation where there is not enough water for all uses, whether domestic, industrial or agricultural. During the last 50 years, water stress has continually increased in nearly all countries. Some of the things that have contributed to water stress include population growth, expansion of business activities, rapid urbanization, climate change, depletion of aquifers, pollution among others.

What is Water - Cause of Water Stress

Some of these causes are outline below:

What is Water Population Growth

The general increase in population in both developed and developing countries during the last 50 years has meant more water is needed for domestic use.

What is Water Rapid Urbanization

As more countries develop, new industries are built, more housing units for the populations are set up and more land is cleared for building and construction. All these activities gradually but consistently deplete water resources.

What is Water Climate Change

The depletion of the ozone layer has led to longer sunshine periods on earth. The reduction of rainfall in different places has led to the drying up of many water resources.

What is Water Pollution

Industrial wastes let out into water bodies like rivers, seas and oceans have drastically reduced clean water.
Water is an essential element in the cycle of life. Steps should be taken to conserve water for the benefits of all plant and animal life.

Others who read this, also read Water And Your Health Are Connected, Top Reasons to Conserve Drinking Water, Tap Water Can Be Controversial, The Biggest Causes of Water Pollution, Top Reasons to Carry a Water Bottle, Water Nutrition Benefits of Drinking Water or The Untold Truth On Bottle Water.