WASH Booklet for Children

Water is all around us, but have you ever wondered where your drinking water comes from? We get water from many sources, such as rivers, lakes, springs, and ponds. These are visible sources that we can see. But we also get water from underground sources, like wells and hand pumps, which we cannot see. This water is called groundwater.

Rain, snow, hail, sleet are precipitation upon the surface of the earth as meteorological water and may be considered as original sources of all the water supplied. Water, as a source of drinking water, occurs as surface water and groundwater. Three aspects should be considered in appraising water resources e.g. the quantity, the quality, and the reliability of available water.

Many homes get their water from these underground sources. It is very important to protect all water sources from pollution. If waste and chemicals get into rivers or underground sources, the water becomes unsafe to drink. We should avoid dumping waste in or near water sources and always try to keep them clean.

Rainwater is another source of water. In some places, people collect rainwater in large containers. This is called rainwater harvesting, and it helps save water for times when there is not enough. By protecting our water sources, we make sure that everyone has safe and clean water to drink.

Remember, clean water starts with clean sources. If we all do our part in protecting our water, we will have enough for everyone in our community.