Water management (supply and quality)

Abstract

Water (H2O, HOH) is the most abundant molecule on Earth's surface, composing 70- 75% of the Earth's surface as liquid and solid state in addition to being found in the atmosphere as a vapor. It is in dynamic equilibrium between the liquid and vapor states at standard temperature and pressure. At room temperature, it is a nearly colorless, tasteless, and odorless liquid. Many substances dissolve in water and it is commonly referred to as the universal solvent. Because of this, water in nature and in use is rarely clean, and may have some properties different than those in the laboratory. However, there are many compounds that are essentially, if not completely, insoluble in water. Water is the only common, pure substance found naturally in all three state of matter. [Extract]