What are some ways people use water?

About 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water. Over 96% of all the water is salt water.

1. Most of Earth’s fresh water is found in solid form as glaciers and ice caps.

So less than 1% of all water on the Earth’s surface is freshwater that people can use.

2. Streams, rivers, and lakes hold the rest of Earth’s fresh water in liquid form.

3. Rain soaks into the soil and collects there as soil water.

4.The place where water drains downhill into one river is called a watershed.

5. Water from lakes and rivers is sometimes stored in a reservoir so that people will have a year- round water supply.

6. Rain or melted snow that flows overland is called runoff. It may carry bacteria or harmful chemicals.

7. Digging a well is a common way to get groundwater.

8. Most wells have a pump to bring groundwater to the surface.

9. Impurities are removed from water at a water treatment plant to make it safe to use.

10. People use fresh water for farming.

11. We use water to generate electricity.

12. Farmers use irrigation to brig water through pipes and ditches to their crops.

13. People also use water for fun activities, including swimming, boat, and fishing.

14. Water in a watershed is used for drinking, cleaning, farming, electricity, and recreation.