Introduction:

When I closely examine a model of the Earth, I find that we live in a watery world. However, various regions around the globe suffer from a shortage of Water resources. What are these water sources, and are they all suitable for drinking? In this article, we will discuss water, its presence on the Earth's surface, and its impact on plants.

Where is Water Found?

Water is divided into salty water, fresh water, and groundwater.

Salty Water:

Oceans and seas cover about three-quarters of the Earth's surface. It's a significant amount of water! However, can we use it for drinking or agriculture? Seawater and ocean water contain a large amount of salt, making it unsuitable for drinking or farming.

Fresh Water:

Freshwater contains a low amount of salts, and most ponds, rivers, wells, and lakes contain freshwater. Most freshwater on Earth is not in liquid form; ice caps on mountains and ice sheets cover large areas of land, including the frozen continent of Antarctica in the southern pole.

Groundwater:

When water infiltrates the soil, plants utilize some of it, and the remaining water moves downward, flowing through cracks in rocks until it reaches solid rock. Groundwater is the term for water stored in the gaps between rocks beneath the Earth's surface.

How Do We Obtain Fresh Water?

Most countries and cities have large reservoirs where water accumulates. Some reservoirs are natural lakes, while others are human-made. People get their water needs from these reservoirs through water pipeline networks. Groundwater is another source of fresh water. The most common way to access groundwater is by drilling wells, and most wells require pumps to bring water to the surface. However, fresh water is not always pure; it may contain harmful bacteria and chemicals. Such substances may enter the water through various means, and water in motion is the water that flows on the ground before evaporating or seeping into the ground. Therefore, it needs treatment to become suitable for drinking or farming.

Water Purification Stations:

Water is not supplied to people until it is ensured to be safe for use. Therefore, it undergoes treatment at purification stations to become pure and clean. The water passes through a filter initially, removing dirt and large particles. Chemicals are then added to kill harmful organisms.

Some Uses of Water:

Inhabitants of the Earth use water for various purposes. Freshwater is used in agriculture, and in some regions, irrigation is employed to supply water to crops. Irrigation is the process of delivering water to agricultural soil, and it can be done through various methods, including pipe delivery and canal digging. Water also plays vital roles in factories, where it is used in generating electrical power, and ships navigate in water to transport goods from one place to another. People cannot do without water, whether for drinking, bathing, or performing ablutions, among other uses. (Look for other uses of water). Water is also used for recreational activities and sports, including swimming, fishing, and rowing.

Conservation of Water:

How can we conserve water? Used water, known as wastewater, or sewage water, is collected from cities through a sewer system and transported to water treatment plants. In these plants, water is purified, and the output is water that can be used in agriculture and industry.

How Can I Contribute to Water Conservation?

Close the tap after use and ask your parents to repair leaks in sinks and faucets. By doing so, you will have contributed to water conservation.

Conclusion:

1. Water appears as a vital element for the Earth, with a significant impact on plants and life in general. Despite the vast amounts of water on the Earth's surface, providing safe drinking water remains a challenge in some regions.

2. By discussing sources of salty and fresh water, as well as groundwater, we recognize the importance of preserving this vital element. It becomes necessary to learn how to use water sustainably and maintain the purity of fresh water.

3. The role of water purification stations in ensuring the availability of clean water for human consumption and industrial uses is highlighted. The article emphasizes the individual's role in water conservation through wise consumption and leak repairs.

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