There are a total of three natural sources of water. They are categorized as: rain water, underground water and surface water. Here is a look at each and what supplies these sources.
1 – Rain Water
Rain water includes other sources such as snow and additional types of precipitation. The precipitation that falls to the Earth is a major part of the water cycle as it replenishes both surface and underground water sources.
2 – Underground Water
These are the sources of water that basically you can’t see or can’t access easily. The important role underground water sources play in the water cycle is that they are the primary sources for human consumption. These underground bodies of water are often accessed through wells and when pressure under the surface is too great, this water is pushed up and out through springs.
3 – Surface Water
Easy to see and use, surface water is easily the most abundant supply of natural water. The downside is that most of the surface water on the planet is salt water so it is not ideal for drinking for most living species. Surface water does play an important part in our daily lives in addition to being a source of drinking water. Surface water is used to produce hydro-electric power as a clean energy source that is also renewable. Surface water is supplied by precipitation, springs and ice melting from higher elevations and glaciers.
Hidden Natural Sources Of Water
Probably the largest source of water on the planet is ‘hidden’ or trapped in a different form of water. The ice in glaciers, polar ice caps and even in the atmosphere all contain hidden sources of water. Although these sources are not readily available for use, they all eventually become fresh water through melting and precipitation.
Careful How You Use It
Although all the natural sources of water are constantly replenished through weather cycles, we still need to be conservative in how we use water. Fresh water is like a precious gift. We should use it sparingly and do everything in our power to share and protect it for future generations. When we control how we use water, we are helping the planet.
If your municipality has water restrictions, follow them to ensure there is enough water available for when you really need it. Try to not waste water in your home by using flow regulators and collect rain water for use in your garden. There are several ways to keep the natural water cycle flowing if we are careful in how we use the water we have access to today.
