Fresh water is vital to the survival of many species on Earth. It is a limited resource. More than seventy five percent of the Earth is covered in water, but fresh water constitutes less than one percent of the total surface water. Only three percent of the water on Earth is fresh water, and most of that is underground. It can be found in ponds and lakes, rivers and streams, as well as in wetlands.
Fresh water is either salt free or low in the amount of salt it contains. It accounts for one fifth of the Earth's surface and is refreshed by precipitation or melting glaciers. Most of the fresh water used by people is for agriculture. Pollution threatens to make this limited resource even scarcer, as chemicals and other pollutants consistently find their way into fresh water sources.
Fresh water contains abundant life in various plant and animal species. The portions which the sun penetrates are abundant in life and activity. It is called the limnetic zone. These are usually found in lentic systems like lakes and ponds. Running water flows in rivers and streams and will eventually meet up with the ocean. When fresh water meets salt water, an estuary is formed. This houses many unique species as the flowing water from the lotic system will cause soot and dirt to form obscured areas. Groundwater flows in rocks and aquifers and is another source of fresh water.
Fresh water is a resource that needs to be protected and preserved for future generations. Many fresh water sources are being polluted or wasted. People need to stay informed and take action to keep fresh water clean. This will assure that humans have it when needed, as well as the other species of plants and animals that rely on it.
Aspen Cove Distributing (http://www.icypeaks.net/) sell bottled water, a fresh-water spring located just below the Grand Teton Mountains in Idaho. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.
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