Sources of Water

Sources of water act as a fundamental component of the planet that ensures that all living organisms get the life-sustaining liquid called water.  These sources of water come in various forms that range from vast bodies like oceans to small lakes and underground reservoirs. Understanding these water sources is essential to ensure that we can maintain a reliable water supply and preserve water to maintain the balance in the living world. 

What is Water?

Water is a fundamental and essential compound that plays a crucial role in our daily lives and the natural world. Water is a tasteless, odorless, and colorless liquid in its natural form. It is formed of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms as its main compounds. It is a vital natural resource that makes up about 70% of the human body and 71% of the planet Earth. However, 97% of the water is salt water and only 3% is available as fresh water. 

The chemical structure of water is represented as H-O-H, in which oxygen is the central atom with which the two hydrogen atoms the bound covalently. Water of formed through the chemical reaction known as the synthesis or combination of two molecules of dihydrogen gas (H₂) with one molecule of dioxygen gas (O₂). The balanced chemical equation for the synthesis of water is:

2H₂(g) + O₂(g) → 2H₂O(g)

Sources of Water Meaning

Water is a precious and essential resource for all life, ecosystems, and numerous human activities. Sources of water can be categorized into two primary types; freshwater and saltwater. An overview of the classification is listed below.

Freshwater

It is characterized by its low salinity and is used for drinking, agriculture, and various other purposes. It accounts for only about 3% of the total water supply. Freshwater sources are further classified into two main categories;

1. Surface Water: The freshwater sources that are found on the surface of Earth are called surface water. They can be flowing like rivers and streams or in fixed bodies like lakes and ponds. Surface water sources include;
   • River and Streams: These are the flowing sources of fresh water that originate from sources like springs, melting snow, or rainfall. They act as the primary sources of water for various ecosystems and human establishments. 
   • Lakes and Ponds: These are the fixed or standing sources of freshwater that can be natural and artificial. They function as water reservoirs and can supply water for various habitats. 
   • Reservoirs: These are man-made fixed or standing sources of water that are used to store water specifically for human uses. 
2. Ground Water: The freshwater sources that are located beneath the Earth’s surface. They fill up the spaces between rocks, sediments, and other geological structures beneath the surface. The primary storage point for groundwater is the layers of permeable rock or sediments called aquifers. Groundwater sources include;
   • Wells: Dug or drilled holes that access the water stored beneath the Earth are called wells. 

Salt Water

Marine water or saltwater is the term given to water bodies that are rich in salt concentrations. These type of water bodies comprises approximately 97% of the Earth’s surface. The main sources are oceans and seas. They house a huge number of marine species. This water is not suitable for human consumption or agricultural use, however, desalination technologies have been developed that help to convert salt water into fresh water. 

Importance of Water

Water is essential for the survival of all living organisms on the Earth. However, some of the listed importance are;

1. Water is the foundation of all life as it supports the life on the planet. 
2. Water is directly and indirectly critical for all forms of agriculture and food production. 
3. Water is required for human consumption. 
4. Water is an integral component of various industrial and agricultural processes. 
5. Water is essential for maintaining and sustaining ecosystems. 

Uses of Water

Some of the most common uses of water are;

1. It is required for drinking and hydration. 
2. It is used for agriculture. 
3. It is an important component of various industries. 
4. It is used for sanitation and hygiene.
5. It is required to maintain the stability and balance of the ecosystem and environment.

Water Cycle

The water cycle or the hydrological cycle is the continuous process by which the water keeps on circulating between various phases of Earth i.e. solid, liquid, and gas. The process starts with the evaporation of water from the surface of the Earth, then condenses at lower temperatures of the atmosphere in the form of clouds, and then falls in the form of precipitation back to the Earth’s surface which then flows into the various sources of water. 

FAQ’s – Sources of Water

1. What are 10 Sources of Water?

10 common sources of water are; ice caps, glaciers, ice fields, wells, rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, wetlands, and aquifers. 

2. Which are the Main Sources of Water?

The main sources of water are surface water which includes both freshwater and salt water, and ground water which mainly consists of freshwater. 

3. What are the Sources of Water in India?

There are four major sources of water in India that are rivers, lakes, ponds, and tanks. 

4. What are the Artificial Sources of Water?

Artificial sources of water are those sources that are man-made. Some of these are; reservoirs, dams, canals, wells, and tube-wells. 

5.  What are the Natural Sources of Water?

Natural sources of water are those sources that are naturally formed by the Earth’s geographic activities. Some of these are; rivers, lakes, ponds, groundwater, ice caps, streams, etc.