Water for Life

What is water?

Water is one of the main reasons Earth is considered a habitat for organisms. This is proven as the ancient civilizations were formed near rivers, such as the Egyptian civilization which developed along the Nile River.

Water is an inorganic compound that is transparent, odourless, tasteless and colourless.

Seventy-one percent or when taken as a fraction, 2/3rd of Earth’s surface is covered by water.

Water exists in three forms which are solid, liquid and gas. Water is formed when two atoms of hydrogen and one oxygen atom combine together.

Water is distributed on Earth in different ways.

Ocean water – 97.2%

Glaciers and other ice – 2.15% Groundwater – 0.61% Freshwater lakes – 0.009% Inland seas – 0.008%

Soil moisture – 0.005% Atmosphere – 0.001%

Rivers – 0.0001%

Ancient myths about water

In the past, ancient people came up with various myths and believed that gods ruled over the element water.

In Roman mythology, Neptune was considered the god of waters and seas but in Greek mythology Tethys,

Titan goddess is considered the goddess of water.

Uses of Water

All organisms need water for consumption therefore when the whole body is considered, about 60% is water. Water helps in the formation of saliva which plays a central role in digestion.

It’s not healthy for the body when mucous membranes are dry therefore water keeps them moist and healthy.

Water regulates body temperature by sweating.

Water also acts as a shock absorber for the brain and spinal cord.

Water helps to release body waste mainly with urine.

Water helps to deliver oxygen all over the body.

Moistens our mouth, eyes and nose. Supports the growth and reproduction of cells.

How water is polluted

In the past water was not polluted as much as today. The main reason is that people had less technology in the past. Day-to-day work was done using natural remedies, therefore, use of polythene, plastic and other chemicals harmful to water was minimized. But with industrialization and urbanization at present pollution is happening at a rapid rate.

In a country like Sri Lanka, the leading cause of water pollution is improper management. Waste matter is not disposed in a proper manner which has caused garbage to end up in inland water bodies and oceans. Eutrophication can be taken as an example.

Acid rains also cause damage to the environment. By raining water with a higher acidic level (the normal acidity level of rainwater is 5.6) forests, other organisms and even humans are affected.

Results of minimising water pollution

By keeping water clean we gain a lot of positive impacts not only for us but for the entire ecosystem. Underwater contamination can be reduced therefore we can have a clean water resource.

The ecosystem can be maintained in equilibrium when organisms are living in a safe environment. Diseases can be minimized so people can be healthy.

So, let’s make a change today to change

the future.