Water: An important natural resource Why is water important? Where does Cobh’s water come from? What does the council do with the water? How does the water get to our homes? What do the people of Cobh do with this water?
Why is water important? Water is a basic natural resource, needed to maintain human and animal life and to grow food. Although more than 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, only 2.6% is fresh – suitable for domestic, industrial and irrigation purposes.
Most of this fresh water is not accessible because it is contained in the ice caps and glaciers. Despite this, 9000Km³ are available annually in fresh water lakes, aquifers and rivers for all life on Earth.
Where does Cobh’s water come from? Water is supplied to 100,000 homes across County Cork. This water is taken from fresh water lakes, rivers and aquifers. An aquifer (right) is a layer of underground rock that holds or stores water. There are three divisions responsible for supplying water to different parts of Cork. Cobh’s water is supplied by the South Cork Division based at the Glashaboy waterworks in Glanmire. The South Cork Division produces 82,000m³ of water every day.
What does the Council do with the water? To make sure that it is fit for human consumption, water is treated. Chemicals such as fluoride and chlorine are added.
How does the water get to our homes? Water is supplied through underground infrastructure of pipes. Some of these are in poor condition Water is also stored in water towers and tanks in the town.
What do the people of Cobh do with this water? Cooking Cleaning Toilets Dishwashers Gardens Land irrigation