Are You Thirsty?

How valuable is water?

Water is a vital resource that ensures the well-being and survival of all life forms on Earth. It covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and makes up about 60% of the human body. It is needed for many biological processes, including temperature regulation, nutrient transport and excretion in the body, digestion and lubrication of joints. Life on Earth originated in water, so it is not surprising that it is essential to many ecosystems, supporting aquatic plants and animals. Oceans and seas play a key role in the planet’s climate: they sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to warm and cool different regions, and making them more habitable.

For us humans, water is not only a vital physiological necessity, but it is also a resource that we use every day – in the home, in industry, in the economy, in agriculture, to transport people and goods around the world, to generate electricity, as a source of food.

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To download: Presentation “Are you thirsty?”

The water cycle in nature: the secret magic of natural processes

What is the water cycle in nature, also called the water/hydrological water cycle?

Have you ever considered that the water we drink and use every day is the same water that existed millions of years ago? The water cycle is a continuous process in which water moves between the Earth and the atmosphere. It can be in liquid, solid and gaseous aggregate states. The water cycle begins with the heating of the earth’s surface by the sun’s rays, proceeds through evaporation from the earth’s surface, oceans, rivers and lakes forming water vapour and clouds, and finally falls as precipitation. These run back into the oceans or underground. This continuous cycle provides the water resources the planet needs – for plants, animals and people.

Source: https://depositphotos.com/vector/education-chart-of-water-cycle-diagram-157719892.html WE TEACH DATA Project

The water cycle is crucial for life on our planet, as it plays an important role in the formation and regulation of climate and the Earth’s ecosystems. The formation of clouds, rain snow or glaciers is the result of a balanced water cycle.

Are there dangers to its delicate balance and what are they?

Water scarcity: Is there cause for concern?

70% of our planet is covered in water, but here comes the surprise – only about 2.5% is fresh water. Unfortunately, a huge amount of it is locked up in the Earth’s glaciers and ice sheets. 96.5% of the planet’s water is salty, found in the oceans and seas, and is unsuitable for drinking. Realistically, we can only use about 1% of the water for our needs, not very much at all, is it?

Growing populations, and increased demand for water for drinking, industry and agriculture are increasing this consumption, leading to devastating shortages of clean water in various regions of the world. Climate change is leading to rising temperatures, droughts and changes in rainfall patterns. The unsustainable and unwise use of water is another factor of concern. We are changing natural conditions, harming the quality and quantity of water resources. The largest reservoir of drinking water is glaciers.

Water Pollution: The Scourge That Threatens Our World

Water scarcity is not the only threat to our water resources. Invisible pollution is becoming an increasingly serious problem. Pollution can be domestic, industrial or from agriculture. Industrial waste, agricultural pesticides and chemicals, and plastic waste disposed of indiscriminately pollute water bodies, destroy important ecosystems and poison the water we drink and use for irrigation. Tourism, fishing, shipping and oil and gas extraction are no less of a factor, harming marine life and ecosystems.

Industrial pollution can be caused by:

• Radioactive waste
• Industrial effluents
• Industrial waste
• Chemicals and heavy metals

Pollution from agriculture can be caused by intensive farming, livestock farming, use of fertilizers and pesticides, deforestation, soil erosion, forest fires, etc.

Source: https://depositphotos.com/photo/trash-and-used-plastic-bottles-in-the-river-garbage-near-lake-environmental-pollution-ecological-286262910.html

Source: https://depositphotos.com/photo/environmental-pollution-plastic-bags-bottles-trash-garbage-floating-river-rubbish-333704560.html

Consequences of water scarcity and contamination:

• Lack of clean drinking water
• Health problems
• Economic losses
• Local and regional conflicts
• Reduction of biodiversity
• Disruption of ecosystems

The way we use and protect this precious resource impacts not only our health but all life forms that depend on water. Pollution, overexploitation, physical changes to aquatic habitats, ecosystem disruption, acid rain, and lack of or failure to enforce environmental standards – all lead to disruption of the delicate balance of the water cycle and the magic of natural processes.

Water purification: the rebirth of hope

But let’s not feel hopeless! Amidst the threat to water resources comes the light of scientific and technological progress. Water purification plays a crucial role in providing safe and clean drinking water. It is a process that removes contaminants and harmful substances from water to make it fit for drinking, irrigation, industrial purposes and other uses. Modern purification systems remove contaminants and bacteria that may trigger our health and the environment through various physical, chemical and biological methods. These technologies are the hope for the future of our water and the battle against its pollution.

What each of us can do to keep our water pollution-free:

• Use glass instead of plastic
• Instead of buying bottled water from the store, we can drink tap water
• We shouldn’t throw grease down the drain but in designated areas
• Reduce water consumption
• Use textile bags instead of plastic bags
• Use more environmentally friendly cleaning products
• Collect waste separately and do not dispose of chemicals, paints and medicines down drains or in water bodies
• Use recycled household products
• To change our behaviour and be environmentally responsible

Source: https://depositphotos.com/photo/young-volunteers-cleaning-the-beach-271886458.html

Source: https://depositphotos.com/photo/volunteers-with-garbage-bags-cleaning-park-area-188944966.html

And what can we all do together as a society?

• Instead of destroying forests – reforest
• Control water quality
• Use modern wastewater treatment plants
• Control industrial water use
• Use less pesticides and chemicals
• Develop clean production technologies
• Support organisations that work to protect water resources
• Be active in raising public awareness about water resources

All European countries have united around these ideas and are working hard to reduce pollution and improve water quality. Legislative measures have been adopted to restore the natural functions of ground and surface waters, marine and coastal waters, wastewater treatment, and the protection of marine and freshwater habitats. Since 1993, 22 March has been designated World Water Day.

Do not forget: Water is the source of life!

Source: https://depositphotos.com/photo/concept-cleaning-ocean-water-from-debris-and-plastic-removing-contaminants-using-ship-and-grid-276517748.html