If most of Earth is covered in water, why do we need to be careful about using water wisely?
AMost of Earth's water is salty ocean water that people cannot drink -- only a tiny fraction is usable freshwater
BWater is disappearing from Earth
CWe have plenty of water so we do not need to be careful
DAll water is the same and can be used for anything
About 97% of Earth's water is salty ocean water. Of the remaining 3% that is freshwater, most is locked in ice caps and glaciers. Only a tiny fraction -- less than 1% of all water on Earth -- is available as freshwater in rivers, lakes, and underground sources. That small supply has to serve all the people, animals, and plants on land.
Question 2 True / False
All living things on Earth need water to survive.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: True
Every known living thing -- from the largest elephant to the smallest bacteria -- requires water. Plants need water to grow and make food. Animals need water to drink and keep their bodies working. Human bodies are about 60% water. Without water, life as we know it would not exist.
Question 3 Short Answer
Name three ways that people use water every day.
Think about your answer, then reveal below.
Model answer: People use water for drinking, cooking food, bathing and washing, watering gardens and crops, cleaning dishes and clothes, and flushing toilets. These are just a few -- water is used in almost everything we do.
Most children do not realize how many daily activities depend on water until they actively list them. This exercise builds awareness of why water conservation matters -- every use they list draws from a limited freshwater supply.