More than 70 per cent of the Earth's surface is covered by water. The oceans and seas contain 97 per cent of all the water on the planet. Less than three per cent of the Earth's water resources can be described as freshwater. About 77 per cent of this freshwater is ice, mostly in the polar regions. Most of the rest is groundwater.
It is estimated that only 0.6 per cent of the Earth's water is readily available as a source of water supply to its six billion people and the urban communities they form. Water is a precious resource and, for many communities, a scarce one.
Water is essential for all living things. Plants and animals are made up of between 50 per cent and 90 per cent water.
This amazing compound of hydrogen and oxygen is sometimes called the universal solvent because of its ability to dissolve substances.
In its purest state, water is colourless, odourless and tasteless. However, water collected from the environment naturally contains trace quantities of dissolved and suspended materials of mineral, plant and even animal origin, which may create colour, odour and taste.
Water collected from the environment is also likely to contain a diverse population of microorganisms. These may or may not be a risk to human health.
Consumer's Guide to Drinking Water - May 2006 [an error occurred while processing this directive]