Water is a colourless and odourless substance that is essential for the survival of the living beings. It is derived from various sources including rivers, lakes, oceans and streams and has several uses.
Water constitutes of almost 71% of the Earth’s surface. On earth, it moves constantly via water cycle. This is the cycle of evaporation and transpiration, precipitation, condensation and runoff. Water is used in numerous ways and is vital to all living beings. Here are essays on water of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your exam. You can select any water essay according to your need:
Long and Short Essay on Water in English
Water Essay 1 (200 words)
Water, known to be the universal solvent, plays a key role in the survival of various forms of life on earth. It is used for various purposes such as drinking, cleaning, cooking, washing and bathing. Besides these domestic uses, major amount of water is used in the agricultural sector mainly for the purpose of irrigation. A substantial amount of this substance is also used in the industrial sector.
However, unfortunately despite being aware about the importance of water in our lives, people around the world are leaving no stone unturned in wasting water and deteriorating its quality. The techniques used for irrigation in many parts of the world including India are old and mundane and often cause immense loss of water. Several industries make use of a good amount of water however they end up throwing their waste in water bodies without realizing that the deterioration of water will ultimately lead to their own loss.
Many areas around the world are facing water deficit and many more are likely to face this problem in the times to come. It is time the government must take effective measures to store and save water and channelize it properly for appropriate distribution. The general public must also be sensitized on efficient use of water.
Water Essay 2 (300 words)
Introduction
Water is one such substance without which we cannot imagine our life. Besides, quenching our thirst, this transparent chemical substance is used for several other purposes. It is used to accomplish several household tasks. Water is also used for agricultural purpose and is needed for industrial use. Here is a brief look at how it is used at different places.
Agricultural Use
It accounts for around 70% of the water used around the world. In agriculture, water is mainly used for the purpose of irrigation. In addition to this, it is also used for the raring of the livestock. Most of the water used for irrigation is extracted from rivers. Groundwater is also used for this purpose.
Rivers are thus said to be of great importance for the farmers. Not only do they provide water for irrigation but they also play a vital part in the water cycle.
Industrial Use
Industrial use of water includes water used for the purpose of washing, diluting, cooling, transporting, fabricating, manufacturing and processing of various products. Thermal power plants, engineering and pulp and paper industries are among the one that consume the maximum amount of water.
Domestic Use
At home water is used for many purposes. This mainly includes drinking, cooking, bathing, washing utensils, washing clothes, cleaning houses, cars and other vehicles, watering plants and for the purpose of sanitation.
Each country has its own system of water supply to ensure water reaches every household so that the aforementioned basic needs of its citizens are met. While water is used as it is for cleaning, washing and bathing purpose, it needs to be purified before drinking as well as prior to using it for the purpose of cooking.
Conclusion
Water is vital for the survival of the mankind. However, unfortunately it is being wasted at a rapid speed around the world. Everyone should contribute his/her bit towards saving water.
Water Essay 3 (400 words)
Introduction
Water is derived from various sources. Rivers, lakes, seas, oceans and rain are known to be some of the main sources of water. This free flowing and readily available colourless, odourless substance is needed for domestic, agricultural as well as industrial use.
Sources of Water
The sources of water are mainly divided into two categories – Surface Water and Ground Water. Rain water pours and collects on earth in the form of surface water as well as ground water. Here is a brief look at both these sources of water:
- Surface Water: It is found in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, streams, seas and other such sources. The water in lakes and rivers comes from rain and the melting of snow. The river water flows into the sea.
- Ground Water: It is found under the land. Water travels under the surface of the land by way of soil on the non-porous rocks and fills the opening in these rocks. The rocks that store and send out groundwater are known as aquifers. At times, the water stored in these rocks bursts in the form of springs due to high pressure. Ground water is also extracted by digging wells and tube wells.
Water Available for Human Use
Our planet is rich in water with around three-fourth of its surface being covered with water. However, only a small part (just about 2.7%) of the total resources of water is available for the human use.
Around 97.3% of water on earth forms a part of the oceans. It is salty and cannot be used for the purpose of irrigation or any other agricultural use. It is not even good for industrial or domestic use. Out of the 2.7% fresh water available on earth, the inland surface water that is the water available from sources such as rivers, lakes and ponds accounts for just about 0.02%. This water is crucial for the growth and survival of all forms of terrestrial and freshwater aquatic beings.
It is thus important to use it wisely. This point is emphasized time and again. However, its criticality is not yet recognized by the people. It is essential to understand the importance of saving water else we will have to learn it the hard way.
Conclusion
Many areas around the world get sufficient water supply. However, several others, especially those that are a part of the developing countries, face water deficit. The government of such countries must ensure proper supply of water to various areas and the people must use water wisely and avoid any kind of wastage to ensure the flow.
Water Essay 4 (500 words)
Introduction
Water (chemical formula H2O) is a transparent chemical substance. It is one of the basic necessities for every living being be it plants or animals. Just as air, sunlight and food, water is needed for the proper growth and development of life on earth. Besides quenching our thirst, water is used for numerous other activities such as cleaning, washing and cooking to name a few.
Properties of Water
Water is mainly known for five of its properties. Here is a brief about these properties:
- Cohesion and Adhesion
Cohesion, also referred to as water’s attraction to other water molecules, is one of the main properties of water. It is the polarity of water by way of which it is attracted to other water molecules. The hydrogen bonds present in water hold the water molecules together.
Adhesion is basically water’s attraction between molecules of varied substances. This substance bonds with any molecule it can form hydrogen bonds with.
- Lower Density of Ice
The hydrogen bonds of water turn into ice when cooled down. The hydrogen bonds are stable and maintain their crystal like shape. The solid form of water which is ice is comparatively less dense as its hydrogen bonds are spaced out.
- Water’s High Polarity
Water has high level of polarity. It is known to be a polar molecule. It is attracted to other polar molecules and ions. It can make hydrogen bonds and is thus a powerful solvent.
- Water’s High-Specific Heat
Water can moderate temperature owing to its high specific heat. It takes a long time when it comes to heating up. It holds its temperature for long when heat is not applied.
- Water’s High Heat of Evaporation
This is another property of water that renders it the ability to moderate temperature. As the water evaporates off a surface it leaves a cooling effect on the same.
Avoid Wastage of Water
Water is required for most of the activities we indulge in our day-to-day life. It is necessary for us to conserve it else our planet will be devoid of fresh water in the years to come. Here are a few ways in which water can be conserved:
- Fix leaking taps immediately to avoid wastage of water without any delay.
- Avoid the use of shower while bathing.
- Keep your tap off while brushing your teeth. Turn it on only when required.
- Wash full loads of laundry instead of half. This will not only save water but save a substantial amount of electricity too.
- Do not leave the water running while washing dishes.
- Use rainwater harvesting system.
- Avoid using water hose for cleaning gutters. You can use brooms or other techniques instead.
- Use the right size of pans and other dishes while cooking and eating food. Avoid using those bigger than your requirement.
- Try to water your plants by hand rather than using sprinklers.
- Cover the pools so as to avoid water loss due to evaporation.
Conclusion
We must not waste water and contribute our bit towards its conservation. We must practice and promote activities and plans that help in conserving water and protecting its sources to meet the current and future demands of living beings.
Water Essay 5 (600 words)
Introduction
Water is the most common liquid found on our planet. It is vital for the survival of every living being. Around 71.4% of Earth is covered with water. However, while most part of our planet is covered with water, fresh water that can actually be used for drinking, cooking and other activities is quite less. It is thus important to use this substance wisely.
Different Forms of Water
Water is present in three different forms on Earth – Solid, Liquid and Gas. Here is a brief look at these forms:
Solid: Water freezes at 0 degree to form ice which is its solid state. As water freezes, its molecules move apart and this makes ice less dense compared to water in its liquid state. This means that ice is lighter than the same volume of water in its liquid state. It can thus float on water.
Liquid: This is the most common form of water. Water in its liquid state is used in several ways including drinking, washing, cleaning, cooking, irrigating fields and processing and preparing various products in industries.
Gas: As water boils, it changes from liquid to gas, often referred to as water vapour. Vapours are always present around us. When the water vapours cool, they form a cloud.
What is Water Cycle?
Water cycle is the term given to the circulation of water on, below or above the Earth’s surface. It is the process wherein water circulates between land, oceans and atmosphere. This involves precipitation, snowfall, drainage in rivers, lakes and streams and its return to atmosphere by way of evaporation and transpiration. Water cycle is also referred to as hydrological cycle.
Water Scarcity in India
Like most of the other developing countries, many parts of India also face scarcity of water. People in the country do not get clean water for drinking and there is water deficit for the purpose of sanitization as well. None of the cities in the country receives piped water 24/ 7. It is supplied for just a few hours each day mostly for a couple of hours in the morning and an hour or two in the evening. The quality of water has deteriorated in most of the water bodies in the country. This is because of the discharge of industrial and domestic waste in water.
The scarcity of fresh water in the country is often attributed to lack of proper planning at the government’s end, corruption, increased rate of corporate privatization and increasing amount of human and industrial waste that is discarded into water. The situation is expected to worsen in the times to come as the population of the country is likely to increase to 1.6 billion by 2050.
Here is a look at some of the other causes of water scarcity in India:
- Traditional techniques of irrigation employed in our country cause a lot of water loss.
- Lack of proper planning and distribution of water among domestic consumers, agricultural sector and industrial sector.
- Decline in traditional water recharging areas.
- Urban development has choked the ground water resources.
- Increasing number of recreational activities associated with water.
Conclusion
While water is available on earth in abundance, it needs to be understood that the amount that can be put to use for various domestic, agricultural and industrial use is limited. It is essential to use it wisely so as to ensure it reaches every one and is also available in abundance for our coming generations. The government must employ effective techniques to save water and distribute it evenly in various areas across the country. The general public on the other hand must use it wisely to ensure that it is not wasted.
Related Information:
Slogans on Rainwater Harvesting
Speech on Rainwater Harvesting