What is the meaning of sources of water?

Water

Water is a precious and natural resource on the planet earth. It is found all around us. Nearly two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is filled with water. Every living organism existing on our planet requires water for its survival, including plants, animals, birds, insects, etc.

Water is considered the most precious resource and essential requirement of life. All living things rely on water, and without which, there would be no life.

We humans can survive without food for a day or two, but we cannot stay without drinking water for a short amount of time because our body needs it for different types of life processes.

Explore more: Water

Uses of Water

We all use water for drinking, cooking, bathing, cleaning, washing, etc. Factories and large industries use water in large quantities for producing various products required for human welfare. Farmers also use water for irrigating and cultivating crops. Thus, water is necessary for many activities; therefore, it is an essential requirement of life.

Sources of Water Meaning

Water is a valuable natural resource found in different forms in our environment.

As per the Earth’s geography, there is a lot of water all around us, but it is not fresh water and not suitable for human use.

The available natural water is not pure forever. Excluding rainwater, all other water sources comprise salts and minerals deposits dissolved in it. These salts make the water impure, which is not fit for consumption.

There are two primary sources of water – surface water and groundwater.

The primary water sources used for drinking, cooking, washing, farming, and other commercial uses are surface water, groundwater, and collected rainwater.

These primary water sources depend on rainfall and snow, which form a part of the hydrological cycle.

Rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds are the main form of surface water. The amount of available surface water depends mainly on rainfall. When rainfall is limited, surface water supply will vary considerably between wet and dry seasons and between years.

Surface water like reservoirs and dams generates hydroelectric power and supplies water for agricultural, municipal, industrial uses, and other commercial purposes.

Rainwater is also an essential water source, although on a relatively small scale. Collecting rain from roofs or other hard-surfaced areas and storing it until it is needed can provide a valuable water source for many purposes.

Explore more: Rainwater Harvesting

Stay tuned to BYJU’S Biology to know more about water, sources of water, scarcity of water, and different measures taken to preserve water.

Frequently Asked Questions on What is the meaning of sources of water?

Q1

Where does the water come from for drinking?

Drinking water comes from groundwater or seawater, which are natural water sources.

Q2

What are the natural sources of water?

The natural sources of water are:

  • Surface water (seawater)
  • Above surface water (rain)
  • Underground water (springs)
Q3

What are the primary sources of drinking water?

The primary sources of drinking water are cisterns, springs, and wells.

The majority of household wells are found in rural areas.

Q4

What are the primary sources of surface water?

Rivers, lakes, ponds and tanks are the four primary surface water sources.

Q5

Why is water essential to the human body?

Water serves as an essential nutrient to our body, and it plays a vital role in the following:

  • Lubricates joints
  • Maintains the body temperature
  • Removes toxins and other wastes from the body
  • Moistens the tissues of the eyes, nose and mouth
  • Transportation of nutrients and oxygen to different cells, tissues and organs.
Q6

Which Indian states have the highest utilisation of groundwater?

In India, groundwater utilisation is very high in certain regions such as Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu.

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