Water is one of the most essential substances on earth, sustaining life and shaping our planet in countless ways. While it often goes unnoticed in our daily routines, its significance cannot be overstated. Beyond quenching thirst, water plays a critical role in ecosystems, weather patterns, and even human health. Here are facts about water that you should know of as a student.
1. Approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, with the majority residing in oceans. This extensive coverage is why Earth is often called the “Blue Planet.”
2. Despite water’s abundance, only 3% of it is freshwater, suitable for drinking and irrigation. The rest is saltwater, primarily found in oceans.
3. Most freshwater is trapped in glaciers and ice caps, leaving less than 1% accessible in rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers.
4. Unlike most substances, water expands when it freezes. This is why ice floats on liquid water, providing a protective layer for aquatic life during cold seasons.
5. Water is a major component of the human body, constituting roughly 60% of an adult’s body weight. It is vital for bodily functions such as digestion, temperature regulation, and waste removal.
6. Water is more critical to survival than food. Dehydration can cause severe health issues and even death within days.
7. Water can absorb a lot of heat before its temperature rises, making it essential for regulating Earth’s climate and maintaining stable temperatures.
8. Water is unique in that it can naturally exist as a solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (vapour) on Earth’s surface.
9. Often referred to as the “universal solvent,” water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid, playing a crucial role in chemical reactions and nutrient transport.
10. Water constantly moves through the hydrological cycle, which includes processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration.
11. Large bodies of water, such as oceans and seas, absorb heat during the day and release it at night, helping to stabilise Earth’s climate.
12. The vast majority of Earth’s water is found in oceans, which are crucial for regulating weather patterns and supporting marine ecosystems.
13. Plants require water for photosynthesis, the process by which they convert sunlight into energy, producing oxygen as a by-product.
14. Pure water has a neutral pH of 7, which is neither acidic nor basic. This neutrality is crucial for maintaining balance in ecosystems and within the human body.
15. According to the United Nations, more than 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, highlighting a severe global crisis.
16. Water on Earth is part of a closed system, meaning it’s been recycled for billions of years. The water you drink today may have once quenched the thirst of ancient creatures.
17. Desalination is a process that removes salt from seawater, providing freshwater to regions with limited natural supplies. It is particularly crucial in arid areas.
18. Pollution from industries, agriculture, and households contaminates water bodies, affecting ecosystems and human health. Over 80% of wastewater globally is discharged untreated.
19. Agriculture is the largest consumer of water, accounting for about 70% of global freshwater use. Industrial and domestic uses follow.
20. To raise awareness about water-related issues, World Water Day is observed every year on March 22. The day highlights the importance of sustainable water management.
