Water for life

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By John Davis — primary school teacher and educational writer

Clean water is essential for everyone yet there are many people around the globe who only have access to contaminated water supplies

Water is the most common and most vital substance in the world. It is required for drinking, cooking, cleaning and growing crops. Although approximately 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, most of this is saltwater in seas and oceans, which is too salty to consume. Only 2.5 per cent of the Earth’s water supply is freshwater and only 1 per cent of this can be utilised because the rest is trapped in ice caps and glaciers.

Life’s essential source

Without water, life would not be possible. It is a necessity for the growth and survival of all living things. Yet, while developed countries such as the UK and USA have a continual supply of clean water, developing countries have very little clean water or – in some cases – contaminated supplies.