Uses of Water in Life

Water accounts for 71 percent of the Earth's surface and has the chemical formula H2O. It is present on the planet in the form of ice, water and steam and naturally occurs through a range of landscapes, from mountain rivers and polar ice caps to the water vapor in the clouds. Water is essential to create and sustain all kinds of life forms and is a useful tool in many daily activities.

Cleanliness

• Water plays a key role in people's hygiene across the world. Water flushes away waste products and keeps people clean. Whether it be teeth brushing, showering, bathing or running a laundry cycle in the washing machine, water plays a key role in keeping families healthy. Water is also a core ingredient in most recipes for cleaning kitchen floors, windows and counter top surfaces.

Growth

• Lawns, plants, trees and flowers cannot flourish without the assistance of water. All vegetative life needs a combination of sunlight and water to grow healthy and strong. Water contains essential nutrients that nourish soil and make vegetative life possible. Even embryos in the womb need water to grow into healthy babies.

Health

• The human body consists of around 70 percent water. Humans need water to stay hydrated and to flush damaging toxins from their bodies. Mineral water is the most obvious source of hydration from water, but it is the main ingredient in fruit juices, soft drinks and hot drinks, such as tea and coffee, too. Many people prefer to drink bottled water as it is purified and free of bacteria and contaminants that may be present in tap water.

Irrigation

• Irrigation involves adding water to farms, orchards and various crops to speed up growth. Irrigation is also used to guard plants against the debilitating effects of frost and to suppress the formation of weeds. Water is also used to assist mining expeditions, to dispose of waste through underground sewage systems and to irrigate parks and golf courses.