Page 54 - sst_class_04

Natural Resources–Water

Water is a precious resource. Human being, plants and animals need water to live.
You know that our Earth is called a ‘Blue planet’ because the water that covers most

of the Earth’s surface, makes it look blue from space. However, only 2.8 percent
of this water is fresh water that can be used by humans. The rest (97.2 percent) is

salty and not fit for our use. The freshwater is therefore scarce and we must use it
wisely.

Sources of water: The nature provides us with ample amount of water. Water found
in the seas and oceans is salty in taste and cannot be used by us.

Rainwater is our main source of fresh water on the Earth. A large amount of
rainwater flows into ponds, lakes and rivers.

Pond Lake River
This is known as the surface water. Surface water is also called freshwater and can

be used by us. The rainwater that seeps into the Earth is called underground water.
It can be taken out by digging open wells, tube wells and hand pumps.

Uses of water: We depend on water for most of our needs. Water is used for personal

domestic uses such as drinking, bathing, cooking, washing, etc. It is used for irrigation
in agriculture. Water is also used for industrial purposes such as extracting natural

gas from rocks, paper-making and many other industrial processes.

Drinking Bathing Cooking Washing
Use of Water in Irrigation:

Farmers need water to irrigate their fields and ensure that their crops grow

54 Social Studies-4