Sources of Water Supply – JSS1 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note (First Term)

Water supply is the process of providing water for use in a home, business, community or by individuals, usually through a system of pumps and pipes. The two major sources of water are natural sources, such as rainwater, rivers, streams, ponds, springs and the ocean, and artificial sources, such as pipe-borne water, dams, wells and boreholes.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain what water supply is;
2. state the two major sources of water;
3. list examples of natural and artificial sources of water;
4. describe how rainwater is collected and how river water forms;
5. state the qualities of good (potable) water.

What is water?

Water is a universal solvent. It is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom held together by covalent bonds. The chemical formula of water is H₂O.

Water is precious to man’s existence as it is needed in every aspect of life. Every creature, such as human beings, animals and plants, needs water.

In Nigeria, the Ministry of Water Resources is in charge of water supply throughout the country. The state supplies water through water boards or state water corporations.

What are the sources of water?

The two major sources of water are:

1. Natural sources of water
2. Artificial sources of water

Examples of these include:

Rainwater

Rainwater comes from rainfall. It is usually collected from the roofs of houses and taken to collection points. The collection points could be tanks, pots, pails or buckets.

River water

Water that flows across the ground is called runoff. The runoff water flows into small streams or ponds. The streams flow into rivers, and the rivers flow into oceans and seas.

Lake, pond and stream

The quality of these sources of water is very low. Drinking from them can cause water-borne diseases such as cholera, dysentery and typhoid fever, as well as guinea worm.

What are the qualities of good water?

Water that is safe for drinking or health purposes is called potable or pure water. The basic qualities of good water are:

1. It is odourless and transparent.
2. It is tasteless.
3. It is colourless.

Evaluation

1. What is water supply?
2. Name the two major sources of water.
3. List four natural sources of water.
4. List three artificial sources of water.
5. State the basic qualities of good water.

Assignment

1. Enumerate the two major sources of water supply.