Sources of Water

Water is essential for all living things, and it comes from various sources on Earth.

1. Rivers and streams: Rivers and streams, originating from mountains or hills, are freshwater bodies that are utilised for drinking, farming, and electricity generation by people.
2. Lakes and Ponds: Lakes and ponds are non-flowing bodies of water, typically larger and deeper, used for freshwater purposes like fishing, swimming, and providing water to towns and cities.
3. Groundwater: Groundwater is water that soaks into the soil and is stored underground in spaces between rocks and soil particles. People access groundwater by digging wells and boreholes. It's a crucial source of drinking water, especially in places where rivers and lakes are not available.
4. Oceans and Seas: Oceans and seas are large bodies of salty water that cover about 71% of the Earth's surface. Although ocean water is too salty for drinking, it is a source of fish and other sea life. It also plays a big role in regulating the Earth's climate.
5. Rainwater: Rain, a natural source of freshwater, falls from clouds when atmospheric vapour cools and condenses. Rainwater helps fill rivers, lakes, and ponds, and it also soaks into the ground to become groundwater. Collecting rainwater is an important way to get water in some areas.
6. Glaciers and Icecaps: In cold regions, water is stored as ice in glaciers and icecaps. When the ice melts during warmer seasons, it provides water to rivers and streams. Glaciers are a vital source of freshwater for many people living in mountainous areas.