Why Is Water Important?

Seventy percent of the earth is made up of water. Huge bodies of water can absorb and store large amounts of heat coming from the sun especially during daytime and the summer season. During the winter and the nighttime, the gradual cooling of water can warm up the air. This property of water helps stabilize the temperature of the oceans thus creating a favorable habitat for marine life.

Because of water’s high specific heat, it can keep the earth’s fluctuations in temperature on land or at sea within limits that is favorable for life. Since organisms (animals, floral and fauna) are made up of water as well, they are more capable of resisting changes in temperature. Ninety-seven percent of the earth’s water is in oceans and seas while two percent is found on the icecaps.

Human Body

Seventy-five percent of the human body is made up of water and 90 percent of human blood is water as well. Here are just a few facts to explain why water is important for us humans:

• The majority of the cells in our body are made up of water.
• Water is the primary component of our saliva, sweat, and tears.
• It makes up a big portion of our blood and lymph systems.
• It transports food and oxygen to different cells and carries wastes out of our bodies.
• It controls our blood pressure by balancing our bodies’ electrolytes.
• It helps the kidneys flush out toxic substances.
• It moistens our mouth, nasal passages, and eyes.
• It helps regulate our body temperature. It keeps us cool when the weather is hot and it insulates our bodies from cold weather.
• It serves as a shock absorber or cushion for our organs.
• It serves as a lubricant for our joints so we can move comfortably.
• It provides us with many minerals that our body needs.