WATER is critical to all aspects of our lives. Two thirds of the earth’s surface is covered by water and the human body is composed of 75% water. Water is one of the essential requirements for life on earth. Thus, it is important that we ensure there is a safe and reliable source of water for all our uses – now and in the future.
Water Protection
Drinking water is especially important since the water we drink impacts on our health. Our drinking water comes from lakes, rivers, streams or underground sources (aquifers) located across the country. All of these sources of water are linked in a watershed through the water cycle.
In order to make sure we have enough clean water for drinking and other uses, we need to protect sources by managing the influences on them. The natural water cycle below shows what the factors that influence water.
According to www.watershedatlas.org, “a watershed is a basin-like landform defined by highpoints and ridgelines that descend into lower elevations and stream valleys. A watershed carries water ‘shed’ from the land after rain falls and snow melts. Drop by drop, water is channeled into soils, ground waters, creeks, and streams, making its way to larger rivers and eventually the sea. Water is a universal solvent, affected by all that it comes in contact with: the land it traverses, and the soils through which it travels. The important thing about watersheds is: what we do on the land affects water quality for all communities living downstream. “
Trees and plants are important in protecting water sources because they are an important part of the water cycle. This is why reforestation of denuded lands especially watersheds are critical in maintaining a continuous water cycle.
Water conservation
Water conservation is the most cost-effective and environmentally sound way to reduce our demand for water.
Why do we have to conserve water? Our supply of fresh water is finite. Ninety-seven percent of all the water on the earth is salt water which is not suitable for drinking, farming or manufacturing. Only three percent of all the water is fresh water, two percent is locked in ice caps and glaciers and only one percent is available for drinking water.
With all the people on Earth relying on such a small percentage of all the water on Earth, it only makes sense that we must preserve and conserve our water.
Saving water also saves energy. Energy used in pumping and treating water uses up electricity. Saving energy and using alternative energy saves water. Electricity production from fossil fuels and nuclear energy is responsible for a substantial percentage of all freshwater withdrawals.
