Water–an important natural resource

WATER – AN IMPORTANT NATURAL RESOURCE

Human body is made up of two-thirds of water and one-third of solid matter.
The average adult body weight is of 55 to 75% water.
A newborn baby’s weight is of 74% water.
Every activity in the body of living organisms is propelled by water. It is the water, which is responsible for two third of activity in the body.
Other than consuming water for survival, human beings also use water for a wide variety of purposes, ranging from maintenance of hygiene to production of energy.

Uses of Water:

Water is used in agriculture for irrigating farm lands, and it is the source of power for the production of hydroelectricity.

Production of hydroelectricity

70% agricultural needs, 22% industrial needs, 8% domestic needs

Agricultural needs:

Agricultural use of water accounts for nearly 70% of the water used throughout the world, and the majority of this water is used for irrigation.

Water used in agriculture

Indian agricultural production in most parts of the country is closely related to skillful and wise water-management practices.
Most of the agricultural practices in India are confined to the few monsoon months.

Industrial needs:

Industries that produce metals, wood, paper, chemicals, gasoline, oils, and most other products all use water in some part of their production process.
Industry depends on water, much like agriculture and domestic households.
Total industrial water use in the world is about 22%, with high-income countries using 59%, and low-income countries using a minuscule 8%.

Water used in industries

Domestic/Personal needs:

As the world population is constantly growing, the demand of water is increasing.
Water is also needed to bathe, wash clothes and dishes, clean our house, and to water plants.
All this adds up to quite a lot - between 25 and 50 litres per person per day.

Other Important Uses of Water: