PACKAGED DRINKING WATER BOTTLING PLANT

Water (H2O) is the most precious resource and abundant compound on Earth’s surface, covering more than 70 percent of the planet. In nature, water exists in three states such as liquid, solid, and gas. It is in dynamic equilibrium between the liquid and gas states at standard temperature and pressure. At room temperature, it is a tasteless and odorless liquid, nearly colorless with a slight hint of blue. 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 pure and some of its properties may vary slightly from those of the pure substance. However, there are also many compounds that are essentially, if not completely, insoluble in water. Water is the only common substance found naturally in all three common states of matter and it is essential for all lives on Earth. Water usually makes up 55% to 78% of the human body.

WATER IN OUR BODY

Water plays many important roles in our body. It is the major part of most of the body‟s cells (except for fat cells) and it also cushions and lubricates the brain and the joints. It transports nutrients and carries waste away from the body cells. It also helps to regulate body temperature by redistributing heat from active tissues to the skin and cooling the body through perspiration. Most of the water in the body is found within the cells of the body (about two thirds is in the intracellular space), and the rest is found in the extracellular space, which consists of the spaces between cells (the interstitial space) and the blood plasma.

Water: The Most Precious Resource of Our Life.

Water is the main constituent of the human body. It is normally about 60% of body weight in adult males, and is slightly lower, about 50-55%, in females due to their higher proportion of body fat. The muscles and the brain are about 75% water, the blood and the kidneys are about 81%, the liver is about 71%, the bones are about 22% and adipose tissue is about 20%. The body requires sufficient water to survive and function properly. Humans cannot live without drinking water for more than a few days – depending on weather, activity levels and other factors – whereas other nutrients may be neglected for weeks or months. Although commonly it is treated rather trivially, no other nutrient is more essential or is needed in such large amounts. Water is central to the most basic physiological functions such as regulating blood pressure, body temperature, hydration and digestion. Some of the most remarkable benefits of water in our body are listed below.

a) Brain

An adequate amount of water is needed for proper functioning of our brain. When we drink good amount of water, brain cells are better supplied with fresh, oxygen-laden blood, and the brain remains alert. On the other hand, dehydration can cause loss of more than 2% body weight and can affect the brain‟s processing abilities and impair short-term memory.

b) Cells

Water in the body is essential for transporting carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients and oxygen to the cells. The cells then produce energy for the body to function. Furthermore, water facilitates disposal of the waste products of metabolism, enabling the right cellular chemical function.

c) Digestion

Water plays an important role in the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract. Water is required to dissolve nutrients so that they may be absorbed into the bloodstream and delivered to the cells. Insufficient water supply in the body will slow the digestive process and can lead to constipation.

d) Heart

Water is very important for healthy heart function and is essential to keep blood pressure within the healthy range. Lack of proper water supply in the body decreases cardiac output which may lead to increases in heart rate and a fall in blood pressure. The circulatory system delivers a constant supply of oxygen to the brain, muscles and to all other tissues. Researchers at Loma Linda University in California studied more than 20,000 healthy men and women and found that people who drink more than five glasses of water a day were less likely to die from a heart attack or heart disease than those who drank fewer than two glasses a day.

e) Kidneys

An adequate water intake is essential to keep the kidneys working well, helping them to remove waste products and excess nutrients mainly via urine. The kidneys regulate the body’s water levels by increasing or decreasing the flow of urine. The kidneys also work to control normal levels of sodium and other electrolytes. A well-hydrated healthy person‟s kidneys filter approximately 180 liters of water each day; clearly most of this has to be reabsorbed to prevent excessive losses from the body.

f) Muscles and Joints

Water acts as a lubricant for muscles and joints. It helps cushion joints and keeps muscles working properly. Muscles and joints, in addition to the bones, are necessary for us to stand, sit, move and carry out all daily activities. Approximately 70% to 75% of the muscle is made up of water. Maintaining the right water balance is essential for optimum muscle function.

g) Skin

The skin constitutes a defense against pathogenic agents and contributes to preventing the development of infectious and allergic processes. Some people believe that good hydration helps to moisten body tissues and preserve the skin‟s elasticity, softness and coloring though this has not been researched adequately.

h) Temperature

The body water has an important role as a thermo regulator. It regulates the overall body temperature by helping dissipate heat. If the body becomes too hot, water is lost through sweat and the evaporation of this sweat from the skin surface removes heat from the body. Sweating is the most effective way that the body prevents itself from overheating