Clean water is water that is purified. Water purification is the process of removing undesirable substances and contaminants from war with an aim to make it disinfected, clean, and safe for human consumption.
71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water. 97% of this is salt water and 3% is fresh water. Clean drinking water, also known as potable water, is essential for human life. We also use water for cleaning our clothes, showers, baths, flushing toilets, cooking and more. Water can be a source of many diseases, such as cholera or dysentery, so in modern times, water that is brought to homes has been cleaned and disinfected, making it safe to drink.
Early human settlements could only start to develop in areas close to a clean water supply, such as a river. Humans then dug wells to get water, which allowed for settlements away from rivers. Early civilizations built systems, like the aqueduct and irrigation, to redirect water courses to towns and cities where water was needed. The first doctor to notice that the quality of water could affect a person’s health was Alcamaeon of Croton in 470 BC.
In some developing countries, water supplies can be contaminated by sewage or other sources of bacteria. Contaminated water can contain pathogens which cause diseases such as cholera. If people don’t have access to clean water and drink contaminated water, they can die from these diseases. Access to clean water allows a community to thrive and grow, and some areas still do not have clean water readily available.
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Try it for Free!Stages in Modern Water Purification
Coagulation and Flocculation
Flocculation is a process by which smaller particles are joined together to form large particles. These larger particles, called floc, are easier to remove from the water.Sedimentation
Sedimentation is a process of allowing the floc to settle to the bottom to remove it from the water.Filtration
After the larger particles have been removed, the water passes through filters of various compositions to remove other dissolved particles.Disinfection
After filtration, the water is disinfected, often with chlorine, to kill any remaining pathogens.
How Tos about Clean Water: Definition and Importance
Introduce the topic of clean water with a question or story.
Start your lesson by asking students if they have ever thought about where their water comes from, or share a short story about someone who doesn't have access to clean water. This sparks curiosity and helps students connect to the importance of clean water.
Show pictures and videos of clean and polluted water sources.
Use visual aids like photos and short clips to help students see the difference between clean and polluted water. This makes the concept more concrete and memorable for all learners.
Lead a hands-on activity to demonstrate water filtration.
Guide students in a simple experiment where they filter dirty water using materials like coffee filters, sand, or cotton balls. This interactive approach helps students understand how clean water can be created and the challenges involved.
Discuss why clean water is essential for health and daily life.
Facilitate a class discussion about how people use water every day and why it must be clean. Highlight its importance for drinking, cooking, and hygiene to reinforce the real-world relevance.
Encourage students to brainstorm ways to conserve and protect clean water.
Ask students to list actions they and their families can take to save water and prevent pollution. This empowers them to be part of the solution and extends learning beyond the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions about Clean Water: Definition and Importance
What is clean water?
Clean water is water that is safe for drinking, cooking, and hygiene because it is free from harmful germs, chemicals, and pollutants.
Why is clean water important for health?
Clean water is essential for good health because it prevents the spread of diseases, supports proper digestion, and keeps our bodies hydrated and functioning properly.
How can students help protect clean water sources?
Students can help protect clean water by avoiding littering, using less harmful chemicals, practicing proper waste disposal, and raising awareness about water conservation in their communities.
What are common sources of clean water?
Common sources of clean water include natural springs, groundwater, rivers, lakes, and treated tap water supplied by water treatment plants.
What is the difference between clean water and contaminated water?
Clean water is safe for use and free from dangerous substances, while contaminated water contains germs, chemicals, or pollutants that can cause illness or harm the environment.
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