Uses of water

There are four main uses of water from rivers and reservoirs.

Drinking. Water is taken from rivers and reservoirs and pumped to a Water Supply Works where it is treated and cleaned so that it is suitable for drinking. The water is then pumped into peoples homes by pipes and can be used for drinking.

Domestic. Water is used for cooking, washing clothes, in baths, for showers, for washing cars, in hose pipes, in dishwashers, for central heating and other activities in the home. The water is taken from taps and, when it has been used, goes down drains. The waste water finds its way to a Waste Water Treatment Works where it is treated before being discharged back into the river.

Dishwasher	Car Washing

Industrial. Factories take water directly from rivers and reservoirs. The water is used for many different things such as cooling, driving machinery and to generate electricity in a hydro-electric power station. The used water is sent to the Waste Water Treatment Works.

A factory	A hydro-electric power station

Agriculture. Farmers take water directly from the river or reservoir to water their crops. Irrigation channels carry water from the river to the farmer's crops. Sometimes farmers use pumps or machinery to get this water from the river.

Agricultural Land

Water in schools has educational resources for all age groups, relevant to the National Curriculum.