Figure 1.--Running water in the home is for the most part a very modern phenomenon. Even in Europe much of the continent did not have running water in the home until after World War II. This photo was taken in Agropoli, a town perched on a promontory overlooking the sea, 50 miles south of Naples (1950s). In the photo, a girl and a young boy are carrying water home from the public fountain fed by an aquaduct. The water comes from the Sele River. The river valley has been inhabited since pre-Roman times and there are also traces of ancient Greek settlers. We do not know when the aquaduct was built.

Water is not only a vital natural resource, it is the primary natural resource essential for all forms of life. People in well-watered countries such as the United States (at least the eastern half) and Europe often do not think of water, but people in many countries not as well-watered have a very different view of water. Water supports all ecosystems and human activities, agriculture and industry. Most anthropologists reject the Aquatic Ape evolutionary theory., but there is no doubt that water played a central role in the development of civilization. Agriculture was a central component to the development of civilization. Only with agriculture could a surplus be produced, needed for the development of urbanization and civilization. And this first occurred in river valleys where humans found plentiful and dependable water and constantly renewing fertile soil. This occured in four areas giving rise to the first civilizations (Egypt, Mesopotamia, Harapa, and China). The conditions were ideal and even the most basic technology could achieve bountiful results. Cities were built by rivers or in a few cases lakes providing a source of fresh water. But some cities out grew the available water supply, leading to the need for engineering solutions. The most impressive of these ancient projects were the Roman aqueducts, the ruins of which can be seen to this day. This was important because for most of human society, agriculture was the primary human activity. During ancient amd medievaltimes here were public fontains, but people had to cary water to their home, usually wives and children. People made a living delvering water. Agriculture did not begin to chgange as the principal ecionomc activity until the Industrial Revolution was launched in England (mid-18th century), but only reached a monumental force (19th century) and only in a few countries, Industrialization did not end the importance of water, water was needed for the growing urban populations of industrial workers and a host of industrial processes. The growth of human populations has led to significant challenges due to increased demand and pollution. Water is necessary for all forms of life. It is the fundamental resource needed for drinking, sanitation, agriculture, energy production, and industrial processes. Access to clean freshwater is needed for all human populations. It also plays a critical role in sustaining ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity. Nut there is a growing scarcity in many countries. The mot severe is surely the Sahel and the southward advance of the Sahara Desert. But countries and areas are today experiencing severe shortages, including Iran, India, China, and central Asia. Climate change (the Sahel), population growth (India and China), and mismanagement (Afghanistan and Iran) are all factors. Major conflicts are developing between upstream (Ethiopia and China) and downstream (Egypt, Bangladesh, and India) countries. Israel has le the world in innovative solution's. Water on earth exists in various forms and sources. Surface water is found in lakes, rivers, and streams. Surface water is a primary source for both human consumption and agricultural irrigation. Groundwater is the water stored beneath the surface in ancient aquifers. These can be tapped through wells. Libya is doing this on a large scale and is manageable because of the small population. Saudi Arabia began doing this for agricultural irrigation and found that it was rapidly depleting the ancient aquifer which can not be renewed with such massive depletion. A significant portion of the Earth's freshwater is tied up in the polar ice caps and glaciers which today because of global warming are retreating.

Created: 5:20 AM 9/2/2025
Last updated: 5:20 AM 9/2/2025