Water - Forms, Properties, Sources, Pollution, etc.

Water

Water is a clear, liquid substance that is very important for living things, including humans, animals, and plants. It is something we need every day to stay healthy and alive.

Forms of Water

One of the special things about water is that it can exist in three different forms: solid, liquid, and gas.

a) Solid: When water is very cold, it turns into a solid form called ice. Like water turns into ice when you put it in a freezer.
b) Liquid: Water is usually in its liquid form. It is what we drink.
c) Gas: When water gets very hot, it can turn into a gas called water vapour. The steam that we see when water boils is an example of the gaseous form of water.

Here is a diagram showing all the different states of water.

Properties of water

Water has some really important properties. Some of them are:

a) Water is transparent, tasteless and odourless.
b) Water can dissolve things. For example, sugar and salt dissolve in water.
c) Water can flow from one place to another. Like, water flows in a river.
d) Water can evaporate. It means that it can turn into gas when it gets very hot.
e) Water can become solid (ice) when it gets too cold.

Activities that Need Water

Water is essential for a number of activities. Some of them are:

a) We drink water to quench our thirst and keep our bodies healthy.
b) Water is used for swimming in pools, lakes, or the ocean.
c) Plants need water to grow.
d) Water is used to cook foods like noodles, rice, or soup.
e) We use water to take baths or showers and keep our bodies clean.
f) Water is used to wash our clothes and make them clean again.
g) Water is used to wash our hands and keep them clean and germ-free.
h) Water can be frozen into ice cubes, which we use to cool down our drinks.
i) Water is used to clean floors, windows, and other surfaces around the house.
j) Water is used by firefighters to put out fires and keep us safe.

Different Sources of Water

Sources of water refer to the places or origins from which water is obtained. Some of the common different sources of water are:

a) Surface Water: This includes water from rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams.
These are visible bodies of water above the ground.

b) Groundwater: It is water that is found beneath the surface of the Earth, usually in underground springs or wells.

c) Rainfall: Rain is a natural source of water that falls from the sky and collects on the Earth's surface.
It replenishes rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

d) Snow and Ice: In colder regions, snow and ice serve as water sources. When they melt, they contribute to rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

e) Wells: Wells are holes dug or drilled into the ground to access groundwater.

Water Pollution

a) Water pollution occurs when harmful substances get into bodies of water like rivers, lakes, or oceans, making the water unsafe.
b) Garbage or litter, harmful chemicals, oil from ships, and sewage are a few things that contribute to water pollution.
c) Water pollution is a problem because it can make people and animals sick if they drink or swim in polluted water.
d) It can also harm fish and other aquatic creatures, making it hard for them to live and survive.