Water, Water, Everywhere!

Water Trivia! Question 1: There is the same amount of water on Earth today as there was 3 billion years ago. Fact or Fiction?

Answer: Fact!

Question 2: Of the total world's freshwater supply, one half (1/2) is found underground. Fact or Fiction?

Answer: Fiction! Over two thirds (2/3) is found under ground.

Question 3: On average, 18% of Canada's urban population live in municipalities that do not provide sewage treatment. Fact or Fiction?

Answer: Fact!

Question 4: What percentage (%) of the human body is water?

Answer: C. Our bodies are made up of about 70% water. Water makes up about 75% of the brain and 83% of the blood!

Question 5: How much of the world’s fresh water does Canada have? B) 20 % C) 40 % D) 60 %

Answer: B. 20% of the Earth’s freshwater resides in Canada!

Question 6: In North America, how much water does the average person use each day? A) 0.0 – 5 L B) 5 – 25 L C) 50 – 150 L D) 200 – 800 L

Answer: D. The average North American uses 650 L of water per day.

Question 7: How much water does it take to produce a loaf of bread? (for the whole process from growing the wheat to baking the bread) A) 2 L B) 10 L C) 100 L D) 600 L

Answer: D. 600 L

Question 8: How much water does a 5 minute shower with a standard shower head use? A) 20 L B) 50 L C) 100 L D) 200 L

Answer: C. 25 L

Question 9: What is the single largest water user in the home? A) Kitchen sink B) Laundry machine C) Bathroom sink D) Toilet

Answer: D. Repair any toilet tank, bowl or base leaks to reduce water waste. Install a low-flush toilet, which uses 6 L or less per flush, or place a toilet insert or weighted plastic bottle filled with water in the water tank.

Question 10: How much water does an automated dishwasher use, compared to dishwashing by hand (35 L)? A) 15 L B) 35 L C) 40 L D) 75 L

Answer: C. 40 L

Water Facts The majority of the Earth’s surface is made up of water. Approximately 71 % of the Earth is composed of water, however most of it is in the form of salt water. Pure water has no taste, no colour and no smell.

Facts about Canada’s Water Supply Canada has about 9% of the world's renewable freshwater supply. (So does China, but more people live in China.) Canada probably has more lake area than any other country in the world. Canada's glaciers contain more water than the Great Lakes. Canada's rivers and lakes contain enough water to flood the country to a depth of more than 2 metres.

Water: Nature’s Magician In nature, water exists as a solid (ice), a fluid, and a gas. Water is often called the “universal solvent”, because it dissolves many substances. Water vapour forms a “global blanket” which helps to maintain the Earth’s temeratures.

So what do People do? On average, 18% of Canada's urban population live in municipalities that do not provide sewage treatment. Toilets use over 40% more water than needed. Many homes lose more water from leaky taps than they need for cooking and drinking. Landfills leaking gasoline, leaking septic tanks, accidental spills and pesticides from farm land are a few examples of what enters our groundwater.