Where Water is Stored?
Water is essential for the survival of all living species and is essential for life. We use it for a variety of things from bathing, to cleaning, to cooking and drinking, and we rely on it every single day. But where is this water stored?
Surface Water
Surface water is stored in rivers, lakes, reservoirs and streams, and it is one of our major sources of water. This type of water is vulnerable to pollutants and pollutants are often washed into streams and rivers after heavy rain. This means that water treatment plants need to be in place to make sure that the water is safe for consumption.
Groundwater
Groundwater is present beneath the earth’s surface and it is stored in underground aquifers. It is one of our major sources of water and it is protected from surface pollutants.
Rainwater
Rainwater is collected from the roofs of houses and stored in rain barrels. This water can be used for water a garden or for cleaning purposes, but it is not safe for drinking and needs to be treated in some way.
Oceans
The world’s oceans are the largest store of water on the planet and contain about 97% of the world’s water. This water cannot be used for drinking, as it is too salty, but it can be used for many other things.
Atmosphere
Water is also stored in the atmosphere in the form of water vapor. This vapor is released back into the environment when it rains, and it is a major source of water for plants and animals.
Ice Caps
The ice caps of Antarctica and Greenland are huge repositories of fresh water that are estimated to contain about 24 million cubic kilometers of water. This water is mostly inaccessible, but some of it is melting due to global warming, which means that it is available for us to use.
Conclusion
Water is an essential part of our lives and it is stored in a variety of ways. Surface water, groundwater, rainwater, oceans, atmosphere and the ice caps are all part of the water cycle and they all help to keep us supplied with water. Being aware of where our water is stored helps us to be mindful of how we use it and take better care of our resources.