Value of Water

Water is called “the elixir of life”. This is, indeed, the name which the Indian Nobel Laureate, C. V. Raman, has given it in his celebrated essay of the same name. The earth comprises two thirds of water and one third of land. Water is essential for all living beings. There can be no life without water.

Human beings, animals and all kinds of plants all need water. Much of the beauty of the earth is because of the presence of plenty of water on it. The main sources of water are rain, rivers, lakes and underground water, besides seas and oceans which are the main store-houses of water. Rains are caused by clouds. This rain helps the forests to grow which in turn also cause rain. Rain also feeds the rivers. The rivers mainly get replenished with the melting of snow on the mountains.

Man’s misery in the absence of the availability of drinking water is thus highlighted by the renowned supernatural English poet, S. T. Coleridge in his celebrated poem, the Rime of the Ancient Mariner.

“Water, water everywhere

When all the boards did shrink;

Water, water everywhere,

But not a drop to drink.

Man should manage water properly. Much of rain water goes waste. We should build large tanks and reservoirs for irrigation and drinking purposes, particularly in areas where canals cannot be constructed because of the stony and difficult terrain.

Now research has shown that water can serve a useful purpose in maintaining good health and in increasing longevity. As present, there is great awareness among the masses about the necessity of pure drinking water. So, mineral water of many brands is sold in bottles at exorbitant rates in the market. Much of this water is spurious. So, we should be very careful while purchasing such a bottle.

A bottle of mineral, water should be purchased only from an authorized dealer who is a reliable one. Thus the overwhelming importance of water for various purposes such as drinking, washing, bathing, irrigation, etc. cannot be