Glossary of Water Terms

As an inorganic, odorless, nearly colorless, and transparent substance, water exists in three states: liquid, solid, and gaseous. At room temperature, water remains a liquid, however, at freezing, it turns solid, and beyond 200 degrees Celsius, it turns into a gaseous state. Water is a chemical element represented by the formula H20, and is composed of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. Other substances, essential to life itself, also dissolve into water, regardless of the inherent lack of organic nutrients.

Understanding the terminology behind water is helpful in the response to water problems around the world. We have comprised a list of terms related to water, in an effort to help individuals, such as yourself, understand water better, as well as our website.