Water represents one of the necessary substances on Earth, playing a critical role in sustaining life, regulating natural systems and shaping the world as people know it. Chemically, water stands as a simple molecule composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (H₂O), but its significance proves anything but straightforward. Covering approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface, water exists in three states: liquid, solid (ice), and gas (water vapor) and continuously moves through the environment in a process known as the water cycle. This cycle involves evaporation, condensation, precipitation and collection, ensuring that water constantly recycles and distributes across the planet.
Beyond its chemical composition and movement, water remains deeply intertwined with the environment and human civilization. It proves fundamental for all known forms of life, providing the necessary conditions for biological processes from microorganisms to mammals. Without water, ecosystems would collapse, agriculture would cease to exist and human survival would become impossible. Despite its abundance, access to clean and safe water remains a challenge in parts of the world, making it a valuable — and sometimes scarce — resource.
History
Water has played a central role in the development of human civilization, economies and cultures. The earliest human settlements formed near rivers, lakes and other freshwater sources, as access to clean water remained essential for survival, agriculture and trade. Ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley and China flourished along major waterways, including the Tigris-Euphrates, the Nile, the Indus and the Yellow River. These rivers not only provided drinking water but also supported agriculture through irrigation systems, allowing communities to cultivate crops and sustain substantial populations. The Mesopotamians, for instance, developed complex irrigation canals to control water distribution. As civilizations advanced, water helped develop human progress, leading to the construction of aqueducts, wells and reservoirs, all of which still exist today.
“Humans have fought over water because it is such a necessary substance. Every class I have taken mentions at least one war or battle that happens on water or is about water and it really shows how vital it is. It’s surprising how much people pollute important waterways, especially because of how little fresh water we have available and how much we use bodies of water for recreational activities,” senior Kaylen Anderson said.
Throughout history, water has evoked wars across the globe due to its necessity among all living things. Due to the uneven distribution of freshwater, numerous countries or cities encounter a harder time sustaining their population, forcing them to import water or divert nearby water sources towards their areas of need. In ancient times, the Sumerians, people of southern Mesopotamia whose civilization flourished between 4100-1750 BC, and the Akkadians, the northern division of ancient Babylonia, clashed over control of the Tigris-Euphrates Rivers, as water remains essential for sustaining agriculture in the arid Mesopotamian region. Similarly, conflicts arose in ancient Egypt over the use of the Nile, particularly between upstream and downstream communities.
NC Connection
In the NC area, a substantial number of lakes, creeks and rivers, such as Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona, provide a space for people of all ages to enjoy a nice day on the water, whether on a boat or the beach. In the area around these lakes, fishing acts as a continuous attraction to the water and encourages citizens to enjoy the quiet, peaceful nature of the water. Lake Allatoona, however, offers an additional benefit through the dam that is located there. This dam helps to control floods and provide hydroelectric generation that is used to power nearby infrastructure.
Environment
Essential for both plants and animals, water serves as the foundation for all biological processes. Plants rely on water for photosynthesis, the process by which they convert sunlight into energy. Water also helps transport nutrients from the soil to the plant’s cells and maintains turgor pressure, which keeps plants upright and healthy. Without sufficient water, plants wilt and struggle to survive. For animals, water remains equally vital, as it makes up a significant portion of their body composition, typically ranging from 60% to 80%. The substance aids in digestion, circulation and temperature regulation while also flushing out waste products. Animals depend on water not only for hydration but also for habitat and food sources.
“Water is an essential component for all living things. In an ecosystem, water can also provide multiple habitats and niches for the success of organisms. For example, dragonflies lay their eggs in water and the nymphs that are hatched continue to live in water until they become an adult. Human activities can contribute to many problems related to the availability of clean water. With large amounts of consumption, this may take water away from groundwater and surface water, depleting an ecosystem of its aquatic environment. In addition, humans can contaminate water in multiple ways, but runoff is common. Fertilizers applied to golf courses can runoff into water and cause eutrophication with the nutrients,” Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science teacher Julie Hopp said.
Different species have adapted to thrive in either freshwater or saltwater environments. Freshwater animals such as frogs live in ponds, lakes and rivers where the salinity levels remain low. Frogs, for example, rely on moist environments to keep their skin hydrated and to support respiration, as they can absorb oxygen through their skin. Freshwater plants, such as water lilies, float on the surface of ponds and provide shelter for small aquatic creatures while contributing to oxygen production through photosynthesis. In contrast, saltwater animals such as clownfish have evolved to survive high salinity, including coral reefs. These fish contain specialized cells that regulate the salt content in their bodies. Similarly, saltwater plants similar to seagrass anchor themselves to the ocean floor, providing shelter and food for marine life while stabilizing the seabed.
Beyond supporting individual organisms, water plays a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and the overall environment. It regulates the Earth’s climate by absorbing and redistributing heat, moderating temperatures between day and night and across seasons. Water bodies also act as natural carbon sinks, helping to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Furthermore, water shapes landscapes through erosion and deposition, carving valleys, forming deltas and creating fertile soils that support agriculture and biodiversity. Wetlands filter pollutants from water while providing critical habitats for countless species.
People
Agriculture proves essential for human growth, providing food and resources necessary for survival, with water playing a crucial role in sustaining crops and livestock. Without sufficient water, crops wither, livestock suffer and food shortages threaten entire populations. Beyond farming, water contributes to cooking in countless ways, from boiling pasta and rice to steaming vegetables and creating soups. Even the process of baking depends on water to mix doughs and batters, contributing to it acting as an indispensable part of meal preparation.
In addition to cooking, water supports cleaning, particularly in washing dishes and maintaining hygiene in the kitchen. Dishwashers rely on high-pressure water to remove food particles and sanitize plates, while sinks allow for manual washing, preventing bacteria and food residue from lingering on utensils and cookware. However, while people use water daily, its quality matters as much as its availability. Contaminated water leads to waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery, which historically devastated communities with poor sanitation. The crisis in Flint, Michigan, where lead-contaminated pipes caused widespread water poisoning, highlights the dangers of unsafe drinking water, resulting in severe health effects, particularly in children. These issues demonstrate that access to clean, safe water remains not just a convenience but a fundamental necessity for human survival and well-being.
From sustaining human ecosystems to fueling human progress, water shapes life in simple and profound ways. It acts as the foundation of civilizations, the key to agriculture and the driving force behind industries, yet it also presents challenges when access to clean sources becomes limited. As history has shown, societies rise and fall depending on their ability to manage and protect water. Today, with climate change, pollution and population growth straining global water resources, ensuring its sustainability proves critical. Clean, accessible water does not act as just a privilege but as a necessity for survival, health and the future of the planet. Understanding water’s role in the past and present highlights the urgency of responsible conservation and innovation to secure this invaluable resource for generations to come.
