Water for All – Importance of Water and Ways to Save it

Water is the source of life. It is essential for the survival of all living beings. It regulates body temperature, aids digestion, and facilitates nutrient absorption. Adequate water intake is crucial for overall health, promoting hydration, and supporting vital processes within the body. Conserving and responsibly managing water resources is important for maintaining ecological balance and the preservation of biodiversity. Let’s examine the various ways in which water influences our daily lives.

Some Facts About Water

Water is essential for life on Earth. It regulates body temperature, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, cushions joints, protects organs and tissues, and removes wastes. The human body is made up of 60–70% water.

• Water is called a “universal solvent” due to its unique molecular structure, with polar covalent bonds, enables it to dissolve a wide range of substances. This property facilitates the transportation of nutrients, and the regulates temperature in living organisms
• Water is the only substance on Earth that naturally exists in three states: at normal temperatures liquid (water), freezes into ice (solid) at 0°C (32° F), and boils into vapour (gas) at 100°C (212 °F).
• Most substances become denser when they solidify, but solid water or ice is actually less dense. This property is essential for the survival of aquatic life in cold temperatures as ice floats on water. If ice sink, it would eventually freeze the entire body of water making it unbearable.
• Almost all of Earth’s water is in the oceans, and most freshwater is in ice. 1.7% of the world’s water is frozen. 68.7% of the fresh water on Earth is trapped in glaciers.
• Water molecules are made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Unlike other liquids, water expands when frozen. Water freezes into a solid state at 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit. 

What is the Importance of Water?

Water is essential for life as it plays a critical role in many biological processes. In the absence of water, humans can survive only for a few days because it is necessary for maintaining cellular balance and sustaining life. Water’s special characteristics help ecosystems and maintain environmental balance. Lack of clean water poses challenges for communities in fulfilling basic needs, achieving economic growth, and protecting the environment.

Let’s examine the various ways in which water influences our daily lives.

Importance of Water in the Environment

Approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, mainly in the form of seas and oceans, which account for around 96.5% of total water volume. However, only a small fraction, 1%, is suitable for use. Ecosystems depend on water for a variety of purposes:

• Water provides oxygen, nutrients, minerals and has a vital role in metabolic processes like Photosynthesis and respiration in plants and animals.
• Water also conserves most of the diversity. It supports the growth of vegetation, provides food and shelter for many organisms.
• Inadequate water resources can lead to ecosystem imbalance, habitat degradation, and loss of biodiversity.

Importance of Water in Agriculture

Water is essential for crop production and raising livestock.

• About 70% of freshwater from various sources including surface water, groundwater, rainwater, and municipal water systems is dedicated to agriculture.
• Agricultural water is used for irrigation, pesticide and fertilizer applications, crop cooling, and frost control. Irrigation systems accounts for 80 to 90% of total agricultural water consumption.
• Adequate water supply is crucial for enhancing agricultural yields and livestock hydration. It ensures food security and maintains livelihoods.

Importance of Water for Industries and Economy

Water serves a crucial function in the manufacturing industry. Water is essential for various industrial processes, such as manufacturing, power generation and for waste disposal.

• Many industrial manufacturing processes are based on use of water as a solvent in chemical reactions or cooling equipment used in creating their products.
• In addition, industries also generate profits through water-based activities such as tourism, fishing, and shipping. Fishing in both saltwater and freshwater is a significant food source for many regions worldwide.
• Hydroelectricity, also known as hydropower, is a low-cost, eco-friendly renewable energy source that uses the energy of running water to generate electricity.
• However, industrial activities can lead to water pollution and resource depletion, emphasising the need for sustainable water management practices to support economic growth without compromising environmental integrity.

Importance of Water for Human Health

The water in human body percentage ranges from 55 to 78%. Normally, the human body needs 1 to 7 litres of water daily for proper function, based on various factors like activity level, temperature, humidity, and other factors. Water intake includes not only drinking water but also water from food and drinks.

Role of Water in Human Body

Adequate water intake is crucial for human health. Some of the roles of water in human body is given below:

• Water has zero calories and can help manage weight by replacing high-calorie drinks.
• It also helps to regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, protect spinal cord and sensible tissues, eliminate body waste through sweating and excretion.
• Furthermore, water also helps in disease prevention through hygiene and sanitation.
• Drinking contaminated water can lead to waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, hepatitis A, polio, and typhoid.
• Water quality is essential for human development and good health. By ensuring access to safe water and sanitation facilities, communities can improve public health outcomes and enhance overall well-being.

Water Problem in the World and Solutions

Despite its critical importance, access to clean water is still a significant challenge for many people worldwide.

• Factors such as population growth, urbanization, pollution, and climate change lead to water scarcity and contamination issues.
• Poor management of wastewater from urban, industrial and agricultural fields contaminates drinking water including groundwater due to leaching of chemicals like arsenic, fluoride, and lead. It can lead to health risks.
• Diarrhoea, caused by unsafe drinking water and lack of sanitation, can be fatal, especially for children. Insufficient access to water could result in neglecting handwashing, which raises the likelihood of diarrhoea and other illnesses.
• Although diarrhoea is the most commonly recognized illness associated with contaminated food and water, there are other risks such as diseases caused by parasitic worms by coming into contact with contaminated water.

Various solutions can be:

• Investment in water infrastructure, water conservation policies, and community involvement is crucial to overcome these issues.
• The reutilization of wastewater for recovery of water, nutrients, or energy.
• While the reuse of wastewater and sludge is common worldwide, much of it is used informally or inadequately treated, risking human and environmental health.
• Safe utilization of wastewater can have numerous benefits, such as enhancing food production, improved ability to withstand water and nutrient shortages and improved circularity within the economy.
• By prioritising water security and sustainability we can ensure fair access for future generations.

Ways to Save Water

In the present day water scarcity is becoming a common issue. It is essential for both individuals and communities to actively work towards conserving this valuable resource. Here are some simple ways to save water:

• Fix leakages: Even a small leak in a tap or pipe can waste much amounts of water over time. Regularly check and repair any leaks in your plumbing to prevent unnecessary water loss.
• Install water-saving fixtures: Think about investing in low-flow showerheads, taps, and toilets, which can cut down on water usage. These fixtures are made to provide the same results with less water usage.
• Practice mindful water use: Be careful of your water usage habits and make an effort to minimize unnecessary consumption. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes, limit lawn watering.
• Reuse water when possible: Instead of letting water go to waste, consider reusing it for different purposes. For example, collect excess water from washing fruits and vegetables to water houseplants, or use leftover water from cooking to hydrate outdoor plants.
• Collect rainwater: Set up rain barrels or other rainwater harvesting systems for collecting and store rainwater for outdoor use, such as watering plants or washing cars. This reduces reliance on municipal water sources for non-potable activities.
• Educate others: Spread awareness about the importance of water conservation and motivate friends, family, and neighbors to adopt water-saving habits in their daily lives. Collaborative action can make a significant difference in preserving water resources.

Conclusion: Water for All – Importance of Water and Ways to Save it

In conclusion, water is a limited irreplaceable resource that is essential for sustaining life, human well-being, environmental stability, and economic development. Ensuring water for all is not only a responsibility but also a practical necessity for building a sustainable future. By prioritizing water conservation, equal distribution, and universal access to clean water, we can minimize the widespread consequences of water scarcity and pave the way for a healthier and more balanced world for generations to come.

FAQs on Water for All

What is Meant by Water for All?

Water for all refers to the fundamental need of water for all forms of life on Earth. Water is vital for all living creatures, such as humans, animals, and plants, and is a key element in many plant and animal species.

Why is Water Important in Everyday Life?

Water is vital for humans for various purposes, such as regulating temperature, lubricating and cushioning joints, protecting sensitive tissues like the spinal cord, and aiding in digestion and detoxification.

Why Should We Save Water?

Water is essential to our daily lives. Fresh water is a limited resource, lack of water leads to drought conditions and certain diseases making water conservation an important factor for the environment.

What do You Mean by Conservation of Water?

Water conservation is the act of efficiently using water to reduce unnecessary usage. It includes actions and plans to protect water from pollution and ensure equal access to freshwater for all.

Why is Water Conservation Important?

Water conservation is important because it protects a limited resource that is essential for life and the economy. It also helps to keep the environment healthy and protects drinking water resources.