Uses of Water

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:06 PM IST

What are the uses of water?

Water molecule is made of 3 atoms. 2 hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. They have different textures and this makes them stick together and attract a variety of things. It is a chemical that is tasteless, odorless, colorless, and transparent. It is chemically represented as H₂O. It is widely used in composting. Its boiling point is 100-degree Celsius and the melting point is 0-degree celsius. Through the process of sweating, digestion, the respiratory body loses its water content.

Hence, it is very important to drink water to keep yourself hydrated. Let's look at some water uses

Water use list

Water is stored in different parts of the world but can be distributed equally around the world. It is said to be the only solution.

The various sources of water are - the sea, the lake, the rain, the well, the stream, the pond and the dam.

Water is used for washing, drinking, generating electricity, etc.

Also read -

Below are the different uses of water...

Home water use
Agricultural water use
Industrial water use
Home water use:
15% of the water is used for domestic purposes.
Water is used for drinking, bathing, cooking and washing dishes, clothing, fruit, vegetables and brushing teeth.

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Agricultural uses of water:

Agriculture is the largest consumer of water. About 70% of the water is used for irrigation. Water is needed for gardening, farming and fishing grounds. Plants need water to grow. During the process of photosynthesis, plants consume water. To produce plants, fruits, flowers, vegetables they need enough water, compost, sunlight and oxygen.

Agricultural uses of water pictures

Industrial uses of water:

It can be used in the construction or cooling of equipment used to create a product. Industrial water is used for washing, cooling, repairing, moving, mixing or making a product. A high amount of water is used for the production of chemicals, paper and food.

Other uses of water - used for transport, manufacturing, hydropower, waste removal, tourism and recreation.

Water is an essential element of all living beings.

There are various water sources: rivers, lakes, lakes and groundwater.

We get water from three different regions:

A solid form like ice
A liquid form like water
Form of gas as water vapor

Although water provides a variety of uses, such as drinking, washing, cooking, irrigation, etc., our species pollutes water resources to the point where water can be used and leads to water scarcity on our planet. Our actions affect more than just our own. Polluted water is a problem in all parts of our environment, from plants to animals. The living creatures on our planet need water in order to survive. While some of us are lucky enough to turn on the tap to get water, the poorest people walk for miles to get a bucket of water.

Water contains two hydrogen atoms combined with an oxygen atom with the chemical formula H₂O.

5 Uses of Water Features:

Water conducts heat more easily than other liquids.
Water has a high surface area.
The water has a very high temperature.
In the visible electric spectrum, it is a clear liquid.
Pure water is colorless and odorless.
Pure water has a small flow of electricity, but it increases as the ionic content of the molten material increases.

The role of uses of water in Humans:

All livelihood activities are based on water: agriculture, bathing, washing, grinding, cooking and drinking.
Farmers depend on water for irrigation.
Water helps regulate our body temperature, ultimately maintain our body temperature and also acts as a solution for making urine waste products.
The water in our saliva helps us to chew food to ensure that food flows down our throat easily.
Drinking too much water reduces your risk of heart disease.
A high water intake enhances the working brain by providing the required amount of oxygen.
Getting enough water helps to prevent thirst.

Uses of water in human body

Water is one of the most important things in our lives that helps to support health and survival. We cannot even imagine a world without water. Water brings essential nutrients to all of our cells, especially muscle cells, which slow down muscle fatigue. Water resources for constipation and other stomach problems, especially those suffering from IBS. Drinking water or eating a high-fat diet can be very helpful in controlling your weight. It removes toxins through your system faster, and prepares for kidney function. Insufficient hydration means inadequate kidney function. Water removes toxins and waste and regulates body needs such as temperature.

Uses of Rivers in points:

1.The rivers provided the first humans with drinking water and fish to eat.

2.When people learned to build and use boats, rivers provided a cheap and easy way to get around. The floods provided fertile soil for crops, and a system called irrigation allowed people to use rivers to irrigate their fields.

3.Today, many places use rivers to generate electricity. Power dams, such as Hoover Dam on the Colorado River in the USA, use fast-flowing rivers to generate more electricity.

4.Many people like to use rivers for recreational activities, such as: fishing, bird watching, hiking, boating, sailing, and windsurfing.

Which industries use maximum water?

1.Growing Fruits and Vegetables

Although meat farming is often referred to as the strongest energy and carbon sector, it is actually low on the list compared to the cultivation of grains, fruits and vegetables.

Which plants use more water?

Wheat
Wheat
Rice
Cotton
Sugarcane

2.Clothes and fabrics

The textile and textile industry is one of the world's most water-intensive industries. In fact, creating one pair of jeans requires approximately 7600 gallons of water. Water is widely used in the process of dyeing cloth and "wet processing".

3.Meat Production

The industrial meat industry uses a lot of water, about a third of the water foot of total agricultural production.

4.Beverage Industry

The beverage industry produces juice, sodas, beer and various other beverages. In line with the water required for the beverage itself, the additives add a very strong agricultural aspect (the industry needs processed products such as barley, sugar, coffee, fruit etc.)

According to the Water Footprint Network, it takes:

Between 680 and 1241 liters to produce a 2 liter bottle of soda

75 liters of water for brewing beer

140 liters of water to produce ingredients to make one cup of coffee

5.Automotive Manufacturing

It takes 147631 liters to produce a standard domestic car. In the automotive industry, major water use occurs in:

Surface treatment and coating

Paint spray booths

Washing/ hose installation

Cooling

Ventilation systems

Bills

Also check-

NCERT Chemistry Notes:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are uses of water in our daily life?

Probably the most important daily water use for most people is home water use. Household use includes water used daily in the home, including water used for common household items, such as drinking, cooking, bathing, washing clothes and dishes, washing toilets, and watering grass and gardens.

2. How does water help us?

In our body, water supplies nutrients to all the cells and oxygen to our brain. Water allows nutrients, proteins, amino acids, glucose and other chemicals to be used and absorbed by the body. Toxins and waste are cleaned of faeces. To control body temperature, water helps.

3. Does water provide energy?

Water contains two types of electricity, many substances. Kinetic energy is considered the first type of energy. This electricity, as an act, is used during the process. Water flows due to kinetic energy, and waves can occur.

4. How does water help us?

5. What is the natural source of water?

Where does drinking water come from? Your drinking water comes from groundwater or seawater, which are natural resources. Groundwater from the ice and rain enters the ground. In open chambers and pores, or in deposits of sand and stones known as aquifers, water is collected.

6. How does water's polarity affect its ability to clean?

Water's polarity makes it an excellent cleaning agent. The slightly positive hydrogen atoms and slightly negative oxygen atom in water molecules can attract and surround both polar and ionic substances, helping to dissolve and wash away dirt and grime. This is why water is the base for most cleaning solutions.

7. How does water help regulate body temperature?

Water helps regulate body temperature through its high specific heat capacity and ability to evaporate. When we sweat, water on our skin absorbs heat from our body and evaporates, cooling us down. Inside our body, water's high heat capacity allows it to absorb or release heat without drastic temperature changes, helping maintain a stable internal temperature.

8. What role does water play in photosynthesis?

Water plays a crucial role in photosynthesis. It provides electrons that are used to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen ions are used to produce glucose, while oxygen is released as a byproduct. Water also helps transport nutrients within the plant and maintains cell structure through turgor pressure.

9. Why is water essential for most chemical reactions in living organisms?

Water is essential for most chemical reactions in living organisms because it acts as a medium for these reactions. Its ability to dissolve many substances allows reactants to come into contact with each other. Water also participates directly in many reactions, such as hydrolysis (breaking down molecules using water) and condensation (joining molecules by removing water).

10. Why is water called the "universal solvent"?

Water is called the "universal solvent" because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid. This is due to its polar nature, which allows it to form hydrogen bonds with many different types of molecules. However, it's important to note that water cannot dissolve everything, such as oils or some organic compounds.

11. Why doesn't oil mix with water?

Oil doesn't mix with water because oil molecules are non-polar, while water molecules are polar. The polar water molecules are more attracted to each other than to the non-polar oil molecules, causing them to separate. This phenomenon is often described as "oil and water don't mix."

12. How does water's surface tension contribute to its unique properties?

Surface tension is the tendency of water molecules to stick together at the surface, creating a "skin-like" layer. This property allows small insects to walk on water, helps plants draw water up through their stems, and contributes to the formation of water droplets. It's caused by the strong cohesive forces between water molecules.

13. How does water contribute to the weathering of rocks?

Water contributes to rock weathering in several ways. It can physically break rocks through freeze-thaw cycles, where water expands as it freezes in cracks. Chemically, water can dissolve minerals in rocks or react with them to form new compounds. Water also facilitates biological weathering by supporting plant growth, whose roots can break rocks apart.

14. Why is water considered a polar molecule?

Water is considered a polar molecule because of the uneven distribution of electrons between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms. The oxygen atom, being more electronegative, pulls the shared electrons closer, giving it a slightly negative charge while the hydrogen atoms become slightly positive. This charge separation creates a dipole moment, making water polar.

15. How does the hydrogen bonding in water affect its boiling point?

Hydrogen bonding in water significantly increases its boiling point. These bonds between water molecules require extra energy to break, meaning more heat is needed to change water from liquid to gas. This is why water has a higher boiling point (100°C at sea level) compared to other molecules of similar size and mass.

16. How does water's density change as it freezes, and why is this important?

Unlike most substances, water expands and becomes less dense as it freezes. This is due to the hydrogen bonding between water molecules, which creates a more open crystal structure in ice. This property is crucial for aquatic life, as ice floats on water, insulating the liquid below and allowing life to survive in frozen water bodies.

17. How does water's ability to form hydrogen bonds affect its surface tension?

Water's ability to form hydrogen bonds contributes to its high surface tension. At the surface, water molecules can only form hydrogen bonds with molecules below and beside them, not above. This creates an inward pull, resulting in a "skin-like" surface that can support light objects and is difficult to break through.

18. How does water contribute to the greenhouse effect?

Water vapor is a potent greenhouse gas. It absorbs and re-emits infrared radiation from Earth's surface, trapping heat in the atmosphere. While carbon dioxide often gets more attention, water vapor actually accounts for the largest percentage of the natural greenhouse effect, playing a crucial role in Earth's climate system.

19. How does water's dipole moment affect its ability to dissolve ionic compounds?

Water's dipole moment, resulting from its bent shape and uneven electron distribution, allows it to effectively dissolve ionic compounds. The slightly positive hydrogen atoms are attracted to negative ions, while the slightly negative oxygen is attracted to positive ions. This ion-dipole interaction helps break apart the ionic lattice, dissolving the compound.

20. How does water contribute to the process of erosion?

Water contributes to erosion through several mechanisms. As it flows, it can physically wear away rock and soil particles. It can also dissolve minerals, weakening rock structures. In cold climates, the freeze-thaw cycle of water in rock cracks can cause physical weathering. Water also facilitates chemical weathering by providing a medium for chemical reactions that break down rocks.

21. How does water's polarity affect its ability to conduct electricity?

Pure water is actually a poor conductor of electricity. However, water's polarity allows it to easily dissolve ionic compounds, which then dissociate into ions. These dissolved ions are what make water conductive. The more ions present, the better the water conducts electricity. This is why saltwater is a better conductor than freshwater.

22. What is the role of water in maintaining the Earth's magnetic field?

While water doesn't directly generate Earth's magnetic field, it plays an indirect role. The presence of water in the Earth's mantle affects its viscosity and conductivity, which influences convection currents in the outer core. These convection currents of liquid iron are responsible for generating Earth's magnetic field through the geodynamo process. Thus, water indirectly contributes to maintaining the Earth's magnetic field.

23. How does water's high specific heat capacity benefit aquatic ecosystems?

Water's high specific heat capacity means it can absorb or release large amounts of heat with relatively small temperature changes. This property helps stabilize temperatures in aquatic ecosystems, protecting organisms from rapid temperature fluctuations. It's why water bodies tend to have more stable temperatures than land environments.

24. What is the importance of water in climate regulation?

Water plays a crucial role in climate regulation through the water cycle. It absorbs heat when evaporating and releases heat when condensing, helping to distribute heat around the planet. Ocean currents, driven by temperature and salinity differences, also play a major role in global heat distribution and climate patterns.

25. What is the role of water in acid-base reactions?

Water plays a crucial role in acid-base reactions as it can act as both an acid and a base (amphoteric). It can accept protons from acids (acting as a base) or donate protons to bases (acting as an acid). In aqueous solutions, water molecules are involved in the dissociation of acids and bases, influencing pH and facilitating many chemical reactions.

26. What is the significance of water's high heat of vaporization?

Water's high heat of vaporization means it requires a lot of energy to change from liquid to gas. This property is important for temperature regulation in living organisms (through sweating) and in the environment (through evaporation from water bodies). It also contributes to weather patterns and the water cycle.

27. How does water act as a buffer in biological systems?

Water acts as a buffer in biological systems by resisting changes in pH. This is primarily due to the self-ionization of water, which produces equal amounts of H+ and OH- ions. Additionally, water can interact with other buffer systems in the body, like the bicarbonate buffer system, to help maintain a stable pH necessary for biological processes.

28. Why is water essential for the transport of nutrients in plants?

Water is essential for nutrient transport in plants due to its roles in two key processes: root absorption and transpiration. Water helps dissolve nutrients in the soil, allowing roots to absorb them. Then, as water moves up the plant through transpiration, it carries these dissolved nutrients to different parts of the plant where they're needed.

29. How does water contribute to the three-dimensional structure of proteins?

Water contributes to protein structure through hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions. Hydrophobic amino acids tend to cluster in the protein's interior to avoid water, while hydrophilic amino acids interact with water on the protein's surface. These interactions help proteins fold into their functional 3D shapes and maintain their structure.

30. What is the role of water in cellular osmosis?

Water plays a central role in osmosis, the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This process is crucial for maintaining cell volume and shape, and for the transport of materials in and out of cells. Understanding osmosis is key to comprehending many biological processes.

31. How does water's cohesion property contribute to its movement in plants?

Water's cohesion, the attraction between water molecules, allows it to form a continuous column in plant xylem, facilitating its movement from roots to leaves. This property, combined with adhesion to xylem walls and the pull of transpiration, enables the transport of water against gravity in tall plants, a phenomenon known as capillary action.

32. Why is water considered a good coolant in industrial processes?

Water is an excellent coolant due to its high specific heat capacity and high heat of vaporization. It can absorb large amounts of heat with relatively small temperature changes, making it efficient for cooling in industrial processes. Its abundance, low cost, and non-toxicity also contribute to its widespread use as a coolant.

33. How does water contribute to the formation of hydrogen bonds in DNA?

Water facilitates the formation of hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs in DNA. It also forms a hydration shell around the DNA molecule, stabilizing its structure. The interaction between water and DNA's phosphate backbone contributes to the overall stability and specific shape of the DNA double helix.

34. What is the importance of water in maintaining cell membrane integrity?

Water is crucial for maintaining cell membrane integrity through hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions. The polar water molecules interact with the hydrophilic heads of phospholipids, while avoiding the hydrophobic tails. This arrangement helps maintain the bilayer structure of cell membranes, which is essential for cellular function and selective permeability.

35. Why is water important in the process of hydrolysis?

Water is crucial in hydrolysis reactions, where it's used to break down larger molecules into smaller ones. The water molecule splits, with its hydrogen and hydroxyl components attaching to different parts of the molecule being hydrolyzed. This process is important in digestion, where water helps break down proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.

36. What is the role of water in the formation of solutions?

Water is an excellent solvent due to its polarity. When a solute is added, water molecules can surround and interact with the solute particles, separating them from each other. This process of dissolution is crucial for many biological and chemical processes, allowing reactions to occur in solution and facilitating transport of substances in living organisms.

37. Why is water essential for most enzymatic reactions?

Water is essential for most enzymatic reactions because it provides the medium in which these reactions occur. It helps in the proper folding of enzymes, facilitates the movement of substrates to active sites, and often participates directly in reactions (e.g., as a reactant in hydrolysis). The aqueous environment also allows for the necessary conformational changes in enzymes during catalysis.

38. How does water contribute to the process of mineral formation?

Water plays a crucial role in mineral formation through various processes. It can dissolve and transport minerals, allowing them to precipitate and form new mineral deposits. In hydrothermal processes, hot water can dissolve minerals from rocks and redeposit them elsewhere. Water is also involved in the weathering of rocks, which can lead to the formation of new minerals over time.

39. What is the significance of water's high dielectric constant?

Water's high dielectric constant, a measure of its ability to reduce the force between charged particles, is significant in many chemical and biological processes. It allows water to effectively dissolve many ionic compounds by weakening the electrostatic attractions between ions. This property is crucial for many cellular processes and chemical reactions that occur in aqueous solutions.

40. Why is water important in the carbon cycle?

Water plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle. It's essential for photosynthesis, where plants use carbon dioxide to produce organic compounds. Oceans act as a major carbon sink, absorbing atmospheric CO2. Water also facilitates the weathering of rocks, which can sequester carbon over geological timescales. Additionally, the water cycle interacts with the carbon cycle, influencing global carbon distribution.

41. What is the role of water in the formation of hydrates?

Hydrates are compounds that have water molecules incorporated into their crystal structure. Water's ability to form hydrogen bonds allows it to interact with certain ions or molecules, becoming part of the crystal lattice. This process is important in many natural and industrial contexts, from the formation of certain minerals to the production of pharmaceuticals.

42. How does water contribute to the process of digestion?

Water plays multiple roles in digestion. It helps break down food mechanically by softening it. It's a crucial component of saliva and other digestive juices. Water is necessary for the hydrolysis reactions that break down large molecules like proteins and carbohydrates. It also helps in the absorption of nutrients in the intestines and the transport of waste products.

43. Why is water important in the process of cellular respiration?

Water is crucial in cellular respiration. It's a product of the electron transport chain, where it's formed from hydrogen ions and oxygen. Water also provides the medium for many of the reactions in glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. Additionally, the concentration gradient of hydrogen ions across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which drives ATP synthesis, depends on the presence of water.

44. How does water's thermal conductivity affect its use in heating and cooling systems?

Water has a relatively high thermal conductivity compared to many other liquids, meaning it can efficiently transfer heat. This property, combined with its high specific heat capacity, makes water an excellent medium for heating and cooling systems. It can absorb heat from one area and efficiently transfer it to another, making it useful in applications ranging from car radiators to industrial cooling systems.

45. What is the importance of water in maintaining blood pressure?

Water is crucial for maintaining blood pressure. It's the main component of blood plasma, which carries blood cells and dissolved substances. The volume of water in the blood directly affects blood pressure - too little can lead to low blood pressure, while excess can cause high blood pressure. Water also helps in the production of hormones that regulate blood pressure, like aldosterone.

46. How does water contribute to the process of waste removal in organisms?

Water is essential for waste removal in organisms. In humans and many animals, it's the main component of urine, which carries waste products out of the body. Water also helps in the excretion of waste through sweat. In plants, water facilitates the transport of waste products to leaves, where they can be excreted or sequestered. At the cellular level, water helps maintain osmotic balance, crucial for waste removal from cells.

47. Why is water important in the process of chemical synthesis?

Water is important in chemical synthesis for several reasons. It's an excellent solvent, allowing reactants to mix and interact. Many reactions occur in aqueous solutions. Water can also participate directly in reactions, such as hydrolysis or hydration. Its ability to absorb or release heat makes it useful for temperature control in reactions. Additionally, water's properties make it useful in purification processes like recrystallization.

48. How does water contribute to the process of soil formation?

Water plays a crucial role in soil formation. It's a key agent in the weathering of rocks, both through physical processes (like freeze-thaw cycles) and chemical processes (by facilitating chemical reactions). Water helps transport minerals and organic matter through the soil profile. It also supports the growth of plants and microorganisms that contribute to soil formation through the addition of organic matter and biological weathering.

49. How does water contribute to the process of plate tectonics?

Water plays several roles in plate tectonics. It lowers the melting point of rocks in the mantle, facilitating the formation of magma. At subduction zones, water carried down with oceanic crust causes melting in the mantle wedge, driving volcanic activity. Water also acts as a lubricant between tectonic plates, facilitating their movement. Additionally, the weight of water in oceans affects the distribution of mass on Earth's surface, influencing plate movements.

50. Why is water important in the process of chemical equilibrium?

Water is important in chemical equilibrium for several reasons. Many equilibrium reactions occur in aqueous solutions, with water providing the medium. Water can directly participate in equilibrium reactions, such as acid-base equilibria or