Fresh water is water that contains a low concentration of dissolved salts and minerals, and is considered suitable for human use and for irrigation of agricultural crops. Unlike salt water, which contains a high concentration of salts, fresh water is generally suitable for drinking and household uses.
Where is fresh water found?
Fresh water is found in several locations around the world, the most important of which are:
1. Rivers and streams: Fresh water flows in rivers, streams and torrents that are formed as a result of rain and snowfall and the melting of snow in mountainous areas. Rivers are important sources of fresh water that humans use for drinking, irrigation and industrial uses.
2. Lakes and dams: Fresh water is collected in natural and artificial lakes and in dams that are built to store water for various uses such as drinking, irrigation, and generating electricity.
3. Groundwater: Fresh water is found below the surface of the earth in underground layers, which can be accessed through wells and underground wells. Groundwater is an important source of fresh water in many regions.
4. Ice and snow: A large portion of fresh water freezes in ice and snow in the polar and mountainous regions, and this fresh water flows out during the summer when the snow begins to melt.
These are some of the main places where fresh water is found and are important sources for wildlife and humans.Percentage of fresh water in the world
The percentage of fresh water in the world depends on the specific estimates and sources used for the calculation. Most of the water on Earth is salty water in the oceans and seas, and the percentage of fresh water in the world is estimated at only about 3% of the total planetary water. However, not all of this fresh water can be easily used, as most of it is distributed in polar ice, snow and groundwater that is not always available for immediate use.
The most easily accessible water resources are rivers, lakes, and groundwater, and these sources constitute a smaller portion of the world's total fresh water. The percentage of available fresh water varies from one country to another depending on terrain, climatic conditions, and patterns of water use and management.Benefits of fresh water and its uses
Fresh water has many important benefits and uses, some of which include:
1. **Drinking:** Fresh water is essential for human health, as the body needs sufficient amounts of pure water daily to maintain hydraulic balance and normal body functions.
2. **Agricultural irrigation:** Fresh water is used to irrigate agricultural crops, and is considered vital for plant growth and food crop production.
3. **Domestic uses:** Fresh water is used for domestic uses such as bathing, washing clothes, and cleaning foods.
4. **Industry:** Fresh water is used in many industries such as manufacturing, refrigeration, cleaning, and electrical generation.
5. **Wildlife:** Fresh water is home to many wild organisms such as fish, birds and wild animals, and provides a suitable environment for a diversity of wildlife.
6. **Recreation and amusement:** People enjoy fresh water for recreational and leisure purposes such as swimming, boating, and fishing.
7. **Environmental protection:** Fresh water is used to maintain natural ecosystems and preserve biodiversity and wildlife.
In summary, freshwater is essential for maintaining human health and sustaining ecosystems and offers many important benefits and uses in various aspects of daily life, economic and environmental. * All articles published on this blog are sourced from various websites on the internet and are provided for informational purposes only. They should not be considered as confirmed studies or accurate information. Please verify the information independently before relying on it.