. What is it?
Water is a molecule called H2O that contains two atoms of hydrogen and one atom
of oxygen. It’s odorless liquid that you can find in lakes, rivers and oceans. It falls
from the sky as rain or snow.
. Where does it come from?
Fresh water is the result of hydrologic cycle. Basically, the sun’s heat causes surface
water to evaporate. It rises in the atmosphere, then cools and condenses to form
clouds. When enough water vapor condenses, it falls back to the surface again as
rain, sleet, or snow. The process repeats itself in a never-ending cycle.
. Groundwater
When rainwater or melting snow seeps into the ground, it collects in underground
pockets called aquifers, which store the groundwater and form the water table.
Water levels can reach the water table or fall well below it depending on such
factors as rainfall, drought, or the rate at which the water is being used. Groundwater
usually comes from aquifers through a drilled well or natural spring.
. Surface Water
Surface water flows through or collects in streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs and
oceans — not underground like groundwater. Surface water can be beautiful, even
pristine-looking, but most of it isn’t directly fit for drinking. Fully 97% is found in
the oceans and can’t be used for drinking because of its salt content. The other 3%
of water is fresh, and most of that is locked up in ice or glaciers.
Water and Health Are Linked
Bad water is bad for you, good water is good for you!
Water has so many health benefits that many health centers recommend drinking 2lite of water daily.
Water and health are linked. According to some health center, the top causes of disease
outbreaks related to bad drinking water. There are also health risks related to water
contaminated with organic and inorganic matter, other bacteria and viruses and other
pollutants
Some studies show, high levels of lead in drinking water to delays in physical and
mental development, short attention spans, and learning difficulties in children.
There’s also evidence that arsenic in drinking water can lead to nerve, heart, skin,
and blood vessel damage.
Still, water is essential. The human body is, after all, 70% water, and although a
human being can survive a month or more without food, a week without water can
be fatal.
