Here are five common sources of water and some ways we can preserve them:

1. Rivers: Rivers are natural flowing watercourses, usually freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, lake, sea, or another river. They are crucial for drinking water, irrigation, transportation, and supporting diverse ecosystems.

   Preservation:

   • Reduce Pollution: Prevent industrial discharge, agricultural runoff (pesticides and fertilizers), and untreated sewage from entering rivers.
   • Conserve Water: Use water wisely in homes, industries, and agriculture to maintain adequate river flow.
   • Restore Riparian Zones: Plant trees and vegetation along riverbanks to filter pollutants, prevent erosion, and provide habitat.
   • Sustainable Dams: If dams are necessary, design and operate them to minimize environmental impact on river flow and fish migration.

2. Lakes: Lakes are large bodies of standing water, typically freshwater, surrounded by land. They provide drinking water, recreation, and support aquatic life.

   Preservation:

   • Control Nutrient Runoff: Limit the use of fertilizers in surrounding areas to prevent excessive algae growth (eutrophication).
   • Manage Invasive Species: Prevent the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic species that can disrupt lake ecosystems.
   • Protect Shorelines: Preserve natural shorelines and wetlands to filter pollutants and provide habitat.
   • Regulate Water Use: Monitor and regulate water withdrawals from lakes to ensure sustainable levels.

3. Groundwater: Groundwater is water located beneath the Earth's surface in soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations. It is a vital source of drinking water, especially in rural areas.

   Preservation:

   • Prevent Groundwater Contamination: Properly manage waste disposal, prevent leaks from underground storage tanks, and regulate the use of pesticides and fertilizers.
   • Recharge Aquifers: Promote practices that allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground and replenish groundwater supplies.
   • Sustainable Pumping: Avoid over-pumping groundwater, which can lead to depletion of aquifers and land subsidence.
   • Protect Recharge Zones: Preserve areas where groundwater is naturally replenished, such as wetlands and forests.

4. Rainwater: Rainwater is precipitation that falls from the atmosphere. Collecting rainwater can provide a clean and sustainable source of water for various uses.

   Preservation: Since rainwater is a source, the focus is on effective harvesting and preventing its contamination.

   • Implement Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Install systems to collect rainwater from rooftops and store it for later use in irrigation, toilet flushing, or other non-potable purposes.
   • Protect Air Quality: Reduce air pollution to minimize the contamination of rainwater.
   • Maintain Collection Systems: Regularly clean and maintain rainwater harvesting systems to prevent contamination.

5. Wetlands: Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year. Wetlands filter water, reduce flooding, and provide habitat for many species.

   Preservation:

   • Protect and Restore Wetlands: Prevent the draining and filling of wetlands for development or agriculture. Restore degraded wetlands to enhance their ecological functions.
   • Control Pollution: Reduce pollution from entering wetlands from surrounding areas.
   • Manage Water Levels: Maintain natural water level fluctuations in wetlands to support biodiversity.