WordGarden.iofreshwater
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /frˈɛʃwɔːtə/
US
- /ˈfrɛʃˌwɔtər/
Meanings
Adjective
living in, found in, or relating to fresh water rather than salt water
Noun
water that contains little or no salt
Beyond the definition
Freshwater is water that does not contain much dissolved salt, unlike ocean water. Think of the kind of water you find in rivers, lakes, streams, and even underground. It is essential for life on Earth: we use it for drinking, plants grow with it, and many animals live in it. Although most of the Earth's surface is covered in water, only a small part of that water is freshwater, which makes it a precious resource. You might find these habitats full of fish and plant life, or see farmers using it to water their crops.
Freshwater refers to naturally occurring water that has low concentrations of dissolved salts. This stands in contrast to the saltwater found in oceans and seas. It is the water people rely on for drinking, agriculture, industry, and healthy ecosystems. Imagine a clear mountain stream tumbling over rocks: that is a classic example.
It is not just found in rivers and lakes, though. It also exists as groundwater, which is water stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers. This is a vital source of drinking water for many communities. Glaciers and ice caps also hold a large share of the world's freshwater, although it is locked up as ice.
The availability of clean freshwater is becoming more important because of population growth, pollution, and climate change. Protecting these water resources is essential for a sustainable future. You might hear about freshwater habitats in conservation work, or see scientists monitoring freshwater quality to make sure it is safe to use. The story of freshwater is not just about water itself; it is closely tied to the health of our planet and the well-being of living things.
Examples
- 1
Water scarcity
The island has very little freshwater, so most homes collect rainwater.
- 2
Fish habitat
Some fish can move between freshwater and saltwater.
- 3
Lake setting
We rented a cabin beside a freshwater lake.
- 4
Public safety
After the flood, the city tested its freshwater supply.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- freshwaternounadjective
Forms
- freshwaterspluralnounadjective