Water is something that most people take for granted. It seems to be everywhere, and the human body depends on it for hydration, yet the majority of us rarely give in a second thought during the day.
On the surface, water seems very simple and even boring. If you take a closer look, though, this substance is actually fascinating on a number of different levels.
This article takes a look at 10 facts about water that will probably surprise you. Keep reading to discover insight into one of the most common substances on earth that you simply can’t live without.
1. Hot Water Can Freeze Faster Than Cold Water
Believe it or not, hot water actually freezes faster than colder water under the right conditions. The reason for this isn’t conclusively understood. One idea suggests that as warm water evaporates more rapidly, it actually cools the water, thus causing it to freeze more quickly.
Bonus fact: once it’s frozen, ice is lighter than water.
Sound weird? Perhaps, but it’s true—that’s why ice cubes float in water. You just gotta love science!
2. You Could Die From Water Intoxication
That’s right, it’s possible to die from drinking too much water. This is a phenomenon known as hyperhydration, and it happens when a person consumes too much water in a very short period of time.
When your body overdoses on water, it causes a dilution of electrolytes and salt. This typically results in a kidney malfunction, followed by death.
3. Only 30% of Water Is Usable
While it’s true that a vast amount of the earth’s surface is covered in water, the majority is seawater, which isn’t safe for human consumption. That means that only about 30% of the world’s water can be used for drinking, water crops, or for use in industrial machines or domestic appliances.
Another interesting thing to consider is the fact that the greater part of freshwater consumed in the world is used in the United States, where it’s taken from rivers, lakes, and other freshwater sources.
Not only that, only 1% of the water on the planet is actually safe for human consumption because the rest is too salty or simply unsafe to drink.
4. Water Evaporates From Swimming Pools
Do you have a swimming pool in the back yard? If so, you’d likely be shocked to learn that the average pool loses close to 1,000 gallons of water a month due to evaporation. That’s why you’ll notice the water level slowly dropping if you pay attention.
If you live in an area where the climate is especially hot during most of the year, pool water evaporation can be even more extreme.
5. Household Leaks Waste a Ton of Water
Almost everyone has experienced one type of household leak or another during their lifetime. This can include overflowing toilets, burst plumbing, and slow drips that leak water for months or years before they’re noticed.
Now try to imagine how much water is wasted each year from these leaks. The total would be well over 1 trillion gallons each year. That’s a lot of water and a lot of waste.
6. Flushing Your Toilet Wastes a Ton of Water
The simple act of flushing the toilets in your home is another massive source of wasted water. Households with two or more bathrooms can waste hundreds of gallons of water each day. Keep in mind that this is perfectly good water that could be used for crops or as drinking water for people around the world, yet it goes right down drain instead.
7. The Earth’s Atmosphere Is Full of Water
Take a minute to walk outside and look up at the sky. What do you see? You might think that you’re just looking at the blue of the sky, clouds drifting by, and perhaps a few planes heading from one place to another.
But there’s more to the sky than meets the eye. What you think of as sky is actually the earth’s atmosphere, and it contains a ton of water. In fact, the atmosphere contains more water than all the rivers in the world combined!
No matter how hard you look you won’t be able to see it, but it’s there. It makes you wonder how it all stays up there without falling on our heads.
8. Water Can Be Used as a Blade
Have you ever looked at a canyon or deep river gorge and wondered how it got there? It’s all thanks to the force of moving water cutting away at the stone little by little.
Modern technology has figured out a way to speed up this process, though. With machines like those that run water jets on Mach 4 software, you can use water as a high-powered precision saw blade to cut through tough materials with ease.
9. Water In Water Bottles Doesn’t Expire
When you go to the grocery store and look at food packaging, have you ever noticed that everything is labeled with an expiration date? This is obviously because food is only edible for a limited amount of time.
And yet the expiration date on bottles of water has nothing to do with the water. This date is actually for the bottle.
That’s right, the bottle has an expiration date, but not the water. This is because the plastic will eventually begin to break down, rendering the water unsafe to drink.
10. Before You Drink Your Next Beer, Consider This
Brewing beer actually requires more resources than those that end up in your glass. In fact, it takes 20 gallons of water to brew a single glass of beer. Again, that’s a lot of water and a lot of waste.
So the next time you head to your favorite bar with your pals, keep in mind that the amount of water it took to brew your beers that night could just about fill a swimming pool.
Amazing Facts About Water
Life on earth would be impossible without water. You might not give it much thought, but these facts about water should open your eyes to what a special thing it really is.
Keep scrolling to discover more fascinating lifestyle tips and advice.