There are a total of three natural water sources. They are categorized as: rainwater, underground and surface water. Here's a look at each and what these sources supply.
1 – Rainwater
Rainwater includes other sources such as snow and additional types of precipitation. Precipitation that falls on Earth is a major part of the water cycle because it replenishes both surface and underground water sources.
2 – Underground water
These are the water sources that you basically can't see or can't easily access. The important role of groundwater sources in the water cycle is that they are the primary sources for human consumption. These underground bodies of water are often accessed through wells and when the pressure below the surface is too great, this water is pushed up and out through springs.
3 – Surface water
Easy to see and use, surface water is easily the most abundant natural water supply. The downside is that most of the planet's surface water is salt water, so it's not ideal for drinking for most living species. Surface water plays an important role in our daily lives, in addition to being a source of drinking water. Surface water is used to produce hydroelectric power as a clean source of energy that is also renewable. Surface water is supplied by precipitation, springs and melting ice from higher elevations and glaciers.
Hidden natural water sources
Probably the largest source of water on the planet is "hidden" or trapped in a different form of water. Ice in glaciers, polar ice caps, and even the atmosphere contain hidden sources of water. Although these sources are not readily available for use, they all eventually become fresh water through melting and precipitation.
Be careful how you use it
Although all natural water sources are constantly replenished through weather cycles, we still need to be conservative in the way we use water. Fresh water is like a precious gift. We should use it sparingly and do everything in our power to share and protect it for future generations. When we control how we use water, we help the planet.
If your municipality has water restrictions, follow them to ensure there is enough water available for when you really need it. Try not to waste water in your home by using flow regulators and collect rainwater for use in your garden. There are several ways to maintain the natural water cycle if we are careful how we use the water we have access to today.
