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Water
Water is essential for survival on earth. It makes up almost two-thirds of our body weight and covers a little over two-thirds of the earth’s surface. Almost all of the water is in salty seas, and we can’t use it. Only about 3 percent of it is fresh, and three-quarters of that is frozen. So, only 1% of the water on earth is available for humans to use.
The familiar H20 chemical formula shows the basic units of a water molecule: two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. We describe water as a colorless, odorless, tasteless liquid. Water also comes in the form of ice in the polar ice caps, and water vapor that rises into the air from the surface of our planet.
At this Web site, you can take online tours to interesting places, play interactive games, and watch videos about water. Learn fun facts about water, how important it is to life on earth, and what you can do to protect this natural resource.
Explore these water topics:
- Chemicals and pollutants
- Disasters
- Drinking water
- Waterborne diseases and illnesses
- Water cycle
- Water treatment
Let's Talk About Water
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Water Q and A: Water use at home
U.S. Geological Survey
What is Acid Rain?
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Did You Know?
Unregulated discharges from point sources can result in water pollution and unsafe drinking water and can restrict activities like fishing and swimming. – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Unregulated discharges from point sources can result in water pollution and unsafe drinking water and can restrict activities like fishing and swimming. – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)