Fresh Water and Humans

Abstract

Fresh water has been used by humans from earliest times, at first only for drinking, but later for fishing and navigation. The majority of settlements in many countries are related to spring lines and other sources of pure water. With improving sanitation, water was used for cleaning and removing domestic wastes, as well as for irrigation in agriculture. Within the last two centuries, improving standards of living, increased sophistication of agricultural methods, industrial development and production of hydro-power have meant that water has become more and more important to humans. Further, extended leisure time in modern societies has increased pressure on recreational facilities for aquatic activities like angling, wildfowling, sailing, swimming, water-skiing and power-boating.