![image.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmV6XiL3hQSYZhr3Du3LNmxCuppRejADNKeZHxRiP6A2Vv/image.png) #### INTRODUCTION

This is my first entry to this week's contest organized by Steemalive community. See Here for contest announcements. Water is one of the most common liquid naturally found on the Earth. It is a transparent and odourless liquid that makes up seas,lakes,and rain. Water also makes up a greater percentage in living organisms. Science has it that water is composed of chemical elements such as hydrogen and oxygen (H2O) and can exist in liquid,solid and gaseous states. Water is very important to living organisms. You can only survive for 3 days without water but you can go longer without food. ***WHY SHOULD YOU DRINK WATER*** Water helps to produce saliva Our saliva is very important in our bodies. It mixes with our food when we chew and makes it easy for us to swallow it. The saliva also prevents our teeth from friction as we chew. Therefore,we need to drink water regularly so that our we can produce enough saliva to keep our mouth healthy. * Regulation of body temperature During physical activities,our bodies loses water through sweat. That is why it very important that we take enough water during our day to day activities so that our body can replenish the water we have lost. Sweat is also a way the body regulates our temperature in hot weather. If we don't replenish lost water,it can lead to dehydration. * Protection of tissues, spinal cord, and joints Regular Water consumption helps to keep the joints and tissues lubricated. When we take enough water,it can help to prevent certain discomforts in our daily activities and also prevent some health conditions like arthritis. * Important in excretion Water is very essential to the Kidneys because the kidneys helps to filter our wastes from our bodies which is passed out when we urinate. It also helps to maintain good bowel movement and helps to to pass out faeces with ease. Adequate and regular water intake keeps the kidneys healthy and reduces the risk of kidneys stones which is a bad health condition for the kidney. * Helps in circulation Water dissolves the important vitamins and minerals including other food nutrients after breaking down,and helps the blood to absorb them and circulate them throughout the whole body * Keeps the skin healthy Regular drinking of water will help to keep the skin healthy and bright. Water improves collagen growth in our skin which helps the skin to look beautiful and prevents skin breaks or shrinkage. ##### ACIDIC WATER For us to fully understand what acidic water is,let us take a look at the pH scale. ![download_1.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmXCeMRcUVzjFC1WQZJzG9VDNPxSjGqPkP5UKbgSza7mPc/download_1.png)[Source](https://www.google.com/search?q=ph+scale&client=ms-opera-mini-android&channel=new&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiy26H0pZT4AhX6gv0HHQDgCDMQ_AUIBigB&biw=360&bih=651#) In chemistry pH means"potential of hydrogen". The pH scale is a scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of a liquid. It has a range of values from 0-14. From 6.9-0 denotes acidity,7 is neutral and from 8-14 is alkaline Acidic water therefore,is any water having a pH value of 6.5 or less. It occurs naturally in rain water. ***WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID ACIDIC WATER*** Acidic water contains a large number of heavy metals such as zinc,calcium and lead. Exposing the body to such metals can lead to heavy metal poisoning which can cause the following; * Diarrhea * Weakness * Shortness of breath * Suppression of the immune system. * Damage of important organs of the body ##### ALKALINE WATER In contrary to acidic water, alkaline water is any water having a pH value above normal drinking water. Normal drinking water has a pH value of 7 which is neutral. Any water having a pH value of 8 and above is alkaline water. ***WHY SHOULD YOU DRINK ALKALINE WATER?*** Alkaline water can help to regulate the acid level of your body It boosts body immunity Contains important minerals like magnesium which is good for healthy bones. ##### SOURCES OF WATER IN MY COMMUNITY The most common source of water in my community is the borehole. Other sources include bottled water which is sold in store and sachet water(pure water) ***MY SOURCE OF WATER*** In my family,we have a particular borehole we go for our drinking water because my Dad tested the water with the pH scale and found out that it was Alkaline. But in case,we couldn't get drinking water there,we opt for bottled water. **HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD YOU DRINK** Generally,we are expected to take at least 8 glasses of water each day which is about 2 litres. But we can never have enough of water so taking more than that specified amount isn't a bad idea. You can make your water taste better by adding slices of oranges,lime,lemon or even cucumbers to ensure that you take up to the required amount at least. #### CONCLUSION As you consider staying more hydrated,also make sure you get the right water for you not just any type. Alkaline water is the best for you and you'll stay healthy if you keep drinking it.