Why Is Water Vital for Life? Core Concepts Explained
Every policy, strategy, or activity that aims at the sustainable management of water for the protection of the hydrosphere and in order to meet the demands for water in the present and the future are collectively called water conservation. Growth, affluence, population all influence the amount of water that is to be used. Pressure on the present natural water resources has considerably increased due to factors such as climate change increases the importance of water conservation. Many countries have already implemented laws and policies to ensure water conservation. Dams and water harvesting are examples of ways water can be conserved and put to good use.
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Facts About Water
The 22nd of March is celebrated as world water day every year to show the importance of water and the importance of water conservation. Some facts about water are:
Water constitutes 78 % of the earth, while land covers the rest.
The human body is composed of 60 percent water, whereas a Jellyfish is over 95 percent water.
Most of the water (97 percent) is saline.
percent of the water available is fresh drinking water that can be consumed by humans.
Most of the freshwater on earth (69 percent) is trapped in glaciers.
Importance of Water
The present theory which is accepted by scientists’ states that life had originated from water; thus, water is, in fact, a necessity for organisms to grow and survive. Water is an essential part of living beings, and the water lost from the human body needs to be appropriately replenished to ensure its proper functioning. We need water for everyday tasks such as washing, cleaning, bathing and most of all, for drinking. Farming, industries, and hospitals also need a regular supply of water. The evaporation and condensation of water give rise to the water cycle, which is essential in the sustenance of life on earth. The importance of water can be further understood by taking a look at the various functions of water in our bodies. Water forms the blood plasma and acts as the saliva, which helps to digest food and also helps in the excretion and transportation of nutrients in our body.
Ways to Save Water
The importance of water conservation is widely recognized all over the globe with the increasing instances of water shortage ravaging countries. Dams and water harvesting are beneficial in the water conservation process.
Dams
Dams are beneficial in water conservation. Dams not only help to store water but are also used in the generation of hydroelectricity. Dams also help to prevent floods and also provide water during times of drought. Hence, dams are vital and useful for agriculture. Water also helps in providing drinking water for all in regions where water is scarce. Dams can also be used in developing reservoirs that can be used for agricultural and other purposes. However, dams also cause the displacement of local tribes and lead to loss of livelihood and shelter for the local people. Dams may also adversely affect the geology and the ecosystem while being a financial burden for the country.
Water Harvesting
Water harvesting is the term used for the collection of excess/runoff rainwater for other purposes. It is made sure that the water collected is free from any pollutants and can be obtained from various sources. Water harvesting ensures that rainwater does not flow away but is put to good use. Rooftop rainwater harvesting and surface rainwater harvesting can be used to recharge the groundwater and help in water conservation. Water harvesting reduces the likelihood of droughts and floods while also ensuring a steady supply of freshwater for drinking and other household activities.
Did You Know?
In India, rainwater harvesting is a practice that has been going on for more than 4000 years. The process is quite simple since it involves the accumulation of rainwater and its storage. This practice has been carried on from ancient times to provide drinking water as well as water for livestock and irrigation. Tamil Nadu was the first state to make rain harvesting compulsory for all buildings to combat the rapid depletion of groundwater.
Solved Examples
1. What are some ways of saving water?
Answer: Some simple ways to save water are repairing leaking taps, taking a bucket bath instead of a shower, using water judiciously, and using rooftop rainwater harvesting for water conservation.
Conservation of Water
Water is a need in our daily lives. Every time you use water, you have the option of conserving it both inside and outside your home. It's critical to remember that water conservation should be practiced all of the time, not only when there's a water shortage. Wise water management can reduce the amount of stress placed on our resources by limiting water withdrawals and lowering wastewater distribution. Water conservation reduces the wear and tear on valuable resources such as water and wastewater treatment plants, as well as the distribution systems that deliver water to the general population.
We can be more flexible during times of water constraint if we use less water. With rising population rates and only a small percentage of the world's water suitable for human consumption, it's only reasonable that we should safeguard and preserve this precious resource. Because we all rely on water to survive, we owe it to future generations to learn more about water conservation and how we can help keep our water supplies clean and safe.
Conservation of Water at Home
Water should not be wasted. Leaking taps should be repaired, and all taps should be shut while not in use.
In order to perform correctly, hand pumps must be well-maintained.
The condition of the above storage tanks should be maintained. PVC tanks are preferred over metal tanks because they are less expensive, lighter, and do not corrode or rust.
Rainwater can be collected and stored for domestic purposes.
Conservation of Water by the Community
During the summer, canals, tanks, and other structures must be desilted on a regular basis.
To maintain tanks, people should be urged to revive the age-old habit of planting trees around them. Forests should be planted around villages and along riverbanks, and rivers should be kept sacred.
Afforestation of barren, hilly slopes on a war footing should be carried out
Tips for Saving Water
Tighten up the faucets. Repair leaking taps, faucets, pipes, and other fixtures as quickly as possible, and regularly inspect them for leakage.
You may check for leaks in your toilet tank by putting a drop of food coloring in the cistern. If the color begins to appear in the bowl after it has been flushed, you have a leak that must be addressed immediately.
When brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your hands, never leave the tap running.
Don’t use the shower. A pail of water is plenty for a bath.
Wash the fruits, vegetables, and meat in a dish of water.
FAQs on Water For All: Essential Facts & Conservation in Biology
1. What is the importance of water for life and human activities?
Water is essential for all known forms of life and is crucial for the planet's functions. Its importance can be seen in several key areas:
- Biological Needs: Water makes up about 60% of the human body and is vital for processes like nutrient transportation, temperature regulation, and waste removal.
- Agriculture: It is indispensable for farming, as crops require water for photosynthesis and growth.
- Industrial and Commercial Use: Industries use water for cooling, processing, and cleaning, while it's also essential for generating electricity, particularly in hydroelectric power plants.
- Domestic Use: We rely on water daily for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and sanitation.
2. What are the main sources of freshwater on Earth?
Although about 71% of the Earth is covered in water, most of it is saltwater. Freshwater, which is essential for most human uses, comes from several sources:
- Groundwater: Water held underground in soil or in pores and crevices in rock, often accessed through wells and springs.
- Surface Water: This includes rivers, lakes, ponds, and freshwater wetlands.
- Glaciers and Ice Caps: A significant portion of the world's freshwater is frozen in glaciers and polar ice caps, making it largely inaccessible.
- Precipitation: Rain and snow are key parts of the water cycle that replenish surface and groundwater sources.
3. What are some effective methods for water conservation?
Water conservation involves using water wisely to reduce unnecessary usage. Effective methods can be practised at both individual and community levels:
- At Home: Simple actions like fixing leaky taps, taking shorter showers, and using water-efficient appliances can save a significant amount of water.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater from rooftops and other surfaces for later use, such as for gardening or recharging groundwater aquifers.
- Modern Irrigation: In agriculture, switching from traditional flood irrigation to methods like drip irrigation and sprinklers can drastically reduce water waste.
- Community Action: Protecting and restoring local water bodies like lakes and ponds, and promoting public awareness about water scarcity.
4. What is rainwater harvesting and why is it a crucial practice?
Rainwater harvesting is the simple process of collecting and storing rainwater rather than allowing it to run off. It is crucial because it provides a sustainable solution to water shortages. Its primary benefits include:
- Reducing Demand on Groundwater: By using stored rainwater for activities like watering plants and cleaning, the reliance on municipal water supplies and groundwater is lessened.
- Groundwater Recharge: When harvested water is directed into the ground through pits or trenches, it helps replenish the water table, which is vital in both urban and rural areas facing water depletion.
5. How does conserving water also help in saving energy?
Conserving water directly saves energy due to the water-energy nexus. A large amount of energy is required to pump water from its source, treat it to make it safe for consumption, and then distribute it to homes and industries. When you reduce your water consumption, you also reduce the amount of energy needed for these processes, which in turn lowers the carbon footprint associated with energy production.
6. Why is only a small fraction of Earth's water available for human use?
While Earth is called the 'blue planet', most of its water is not usable for our daily needs. The reason is that approximately 97% of all water is saltwater found in oceans and seas. The remaining 3% is freshwater. However, over two-thirds of this freshwater is locked away in glaciers and polar ice caps. This leaves less than 1% of the world's total water available in accessible rivers, lakes, and groundwater for human consumption and agriculture.
7. How does deforestation contribute to water scarcity?
Deforestation significantly impacts the water cycle and can lead to water scarcity. Trees play a vital role by helping rainwater seep into the soil, a process called infiltration. This recharges underground aquifers, which are a major source of freshwater. When forests are cleared, rainwater hits the bare ground and runs off quickly, causing soil erosion and floods, instead of replenishing the groundwater. This loss of groundwater recharge diminishes the availability of water, especially during dry seasons.
8. Beyond individual efforts, what can a community do to become drought-proof?
Making a community resilient to drought requires large-scale, coordinated efforts. Key strategies include:
- Protecting and Reviving Water Bodies: Restoring traditional water bodies like lakes, ponds, and stepwells to increase water storage capacity.
- Promoting Water-Efficient Agriculture: Encouraging farmers to adopt cropping patterns that suit the local climate and use water-saving irrigation techniques.
- Implementing Wastewater Recycling: Treating and reusing wastewater for non-potable purposes like industrial cooling, landscaping, or flushing can significantly reduce the demand for fresh water.
- Creating Green Infrastructure: Increasing green spaces, parks, and permeable pavements in urban areas helps rainwater infiltrate the ground rather than overwhelming drainage systems.
