Water can be categorized into two categories; rainwater and groundwater. Groundwater is the water found on the ground, cracks, rocks, and rivers. About 70% of the water on earth is groundwater, and thus it is readily available. Groundwater is a natural resource with numerous applications and uses in society. This article will examine some of the common uses of groundwater.
1. To generate thermoelectric Power
Electric energy production is one of groundwater’s most significant applications. The groundwater is used to generate clean and environmentally friendly electricity that can be used in place of other forms of energy. When used for this purpose, the groundwater is stored in dams and water reservoirs, from which it is made to move the turbines and spun.
2. Industrial use
Groundwater has extensive industrial uses. In some industries, it is used as the raw material to produce specific products and act as the chemicals’ solvent. In other industries, the groundwater is used to drive industrial turbines and to produce steam used for heating purposes. In addition, this type of water finds its way into the cooling tasks of industrial engines.
3. Irrigation
Water is crucial in maintaining the health of crops. Agriculture relies on constant water supplies to produce fresh and healthy farm produce. When used for irrigation, groundwater promotes the photosynthesis process of the plant and allows the plant to produce oxygen as the by-product. In addition, the groundwater is used during the fertilizer application and to cool crops on the farm. Therefore, groundwater is an essential component of the irrigation sector.
4. Medicinal use
Groundwater has hundreds of applications that are medicinal related. In medicine, water is used as the solvent to mix various chemicals and raise or lower the PH of the chemicals. After the processing of drugs, some of the medicines are stored in liquid form, which contains a high percentage of water.
Drinking groundwater adds medicinal benefits to the body. The human body relies on water to perform its numerous tasks. Daily intake of groundwater can be beneficial to human beings.
5. Domestic Use
Domestic water refers to the water that is used indoors and outdoors. Groundwater has several domestic uses. It is used for drinking, cooking, washing kitchen appliances, bathing, and washing clothes. This type is readily available and is most preferred compared to rainwater.
6. Aquaculture
Fish farming and aquaculture are thriving businesses nowadays. This type of farming fits best, where plenty of water can support the aqua life. Groundwater has been used for many years as the home of aqua life; thus, it’s the source of seafood.
7. Recreational uses
The dams and reservoirs containing the groundwater can be used for recreational purposes. Most of the groundwater catchment areas may act as tourist attraction areas. The beautiful scenery of these points may impact improving a country’s economy. These reservoirs create fishing grounds and thus boost the economy of a country. In addition, these reservoirs have no restricted rules that are likely to limit the public from reaping the benefits of the dams.
8. Mining activities
Groundwater plays a vital role in the mining process and refining of minerals. Several minerals are found in the water bodies at the field, while others are located below the water’s surface. Salt, for example, is found in salty water bodies and is extracted via evaporation. After the mining process is over, almost all the post-activities are attached to water. Therefore, groundwater has a huge impact on the mining sector.
9. Remedy to climate change
Groundwater is usually found in dams, lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. These impoundments can alter with the weather of the region in question. Groundwater impoundments in an area will likely affect the region’s weather directly. For example, areas around the impoundments will likely receive evening rainfall due to evaporation.
10. Transport Sector
Groundwater has several applications in transport. It acts as the passage of water-based components like boats and ferries. It’s considered one of the safest transportation methods despite its slow speed. In addition, the groundwater is used to clean and cool transport components.
11. Flood Risk management
Impoundments for groundwater can hold large volumes of water. Therefore, during heavy rainfall, the dams and reservoirs have as much water as possible, thus controlling the floods that may occur. Sometimes, the ground has cracks, which allows water to be stored below the earth’s surface. This has the effect of reducing the amount of water that may lead to flood risk
12. Building and construction
During building operations, groundwater is essential. It is used to mix building materials (sand and cement). In addition, water is critical to ensure the concrete does not crack.
13. Body Functions
Groundwater has a thousand functions and uses in the body. At the mouth, saliva, made of water, breaks the food into tiny particles that can be swallowed, while at the bowel, it prevents constipation that is likely to occur if the food is not digested correctly. In addition, water helps in fixing dehydration problems. Hydration promotes brain functioning and structure. Daily water intake increases the brain hormones that improve the thinking and reasoning ability of the human being. Lastly, water plays a vital role in the movement of urine, sweat, and the bowel. Adequate water is needed to help your kidney to perform its function efficiently. Water allows the kidney to filter waste through urination; thus, adequate water intake can help the kidney avoid kidney stone disorders.
14. Manufacturing
When you are thinking about the manufacturing industry, think about the groundwater. Groundwater has numerous applications in the process of manufacturing products. During the cooling phase, water is used to cool the engines and products manufactured.
15. Research activities
In hydrology, water is used as the primary component of research. The groundwater has distinctive features, distributions, and effects needed in the research processes.
