The water used by human beings is primarily fresh surface water and ground water. In arid regions a small fraction of water supply comes from ocean, a source which has become more important as the world's supply of fresh water dwindles relative to demand. Saline ground water may also be used in some areas.
Ground water and surface water have appreciably different characteristics. Many substance either dissolve in surface water or get suspended in it on its path to the ocean. Surface water collected in lakes or reservoirs, have mineral nutrients essential for algae growth, may support a heavy growth of algae. Surface water having a high level of biodegradable organic material normally contains a high population of bacteria. All these factors have profound effect on the quality of surface water.
Ground water is able to dissolve minerals from the formation through which it passes. Most microorganisms originally present in ground water are slowly filtered out as it seeps through the ground. Occasionally, the content of undesirable salts becomes excessively high in ground water, although generally ground water is superior to surface water for the use for domestic water source by humans.
“Water is life's mater and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.” Albert Szent. Unless we take quick action to save water, this ‘elixir of life’ will change to muddy swamps and no longer be there to support human life anymore. We should NOT be saying like the Ancient Mariner of Coleridge- Water, water, everywhere, Not any drop to drink.
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