Water — A Precious Gift

Water is one of the most important things in the world. We cannot live without water. It is a precious gift of nature, which means it is very valuable and we must take care of it.

Where Do We Get Water?

• Water comes from many places around us.
• Rain — When clouds become heavy, water falls from the sky as rain.
• Rivers and lakes — Rivers carry fresh water from mountains to plains.
• Ponds and wells — Small water bodies and dug wells give us water.
• Taps at home — Water from rivers is cleaned and sent through pipes to our taps.

How Do We Use Water?

• We use water every single day in many ways:
• Drinking — Our body needs water to stay healthy. We must drink clean water.
• Bathing and washing — We bathe with water to keep our bodies clean.
• Cooking food — Water is needed to boil rice, make dal, and cook vegetables.
• Washing clothes — Dirty clothes are cleaned using water and soap.
• Watering plants — Plants need water to grow and stay green.
• Playing — Children love to play with water, especially in summer.

Animals and plants also need water to survive. A fish lives inside water. Trees drink water through their roots.

Why Is Water Precious?

Not all water is safe to drink. We must drink clean water. Dirty water can make us very sick. Water also does not last forever — if we waste it, there will not be enough for everyone.

• Ways to save water:
• Turn off the tap when you are not using it.
• Do not let water drip from a leaking tap — tell an adult to fix it.
• Use only as much water as you need for bathing or washing.
• Collect rainwater in a bucket to water plants.