Definitions

• Water is a molecule that consists of two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen. It is a vital substance that occurs naturally in three forms: liquid, vapor and solid. Our homes are supplied with water, as water is essential for inside and outside our bodies.
  
  Electricity is the flow of electrons from one atom to the other and is a secondary energy source. Electricity is produced from primary energy sources (like coal, sun, water) and is the most widely used source of energy. Our homes are supplied with electricity, as energy is essential to make things work (like home lighting and electronics).
  
  

Dangers

• An atom has an equal number of electrons (negative particle) and protons (positive particle). To produce electricity, the electrons flow through atoms, resulting in atoms with positive charge and negative electrons that attract each other. Things that hold their electrons tightly are called insulators (like rubber, plastic or glass). Materials that have loosely held electrons are called conductors. If they reach a conductor, the electrons will flow toward atoms with positive charge. Water and electricity do not mix, but water is a good conductor for electricity. As our bodies are made of water in a high percentage, we are good electricity conductors, too, and a high voltage can severely damage our health or cause death.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• In order to be safe from electric shocks, it is important not to come in contact with electricity. We can touch an object connected to electrical energy, as the object is specially made to keep electricity insulated, but when water is added, the electricity will be rapidly conducted to our bodies. To avoid shocks, never handle electrical items when you are wet and do not allow the items you handle to get wet while they are connected to electrical energy. Also, try not handle plugged-in electrical items near water sources.
  
  

Electricity to Water

• When they do not come in direct contact, water and electricity can benefit from each other. For example, electricity powers water pumps that pump water into our homes, fountains, over fields (through irrigation systems) and in automobiles (in the cooling system).
  
  

Water to Electricity

• Water is a primary source of energy and is used to produce electrical energy. The electricity that supplies our homes comes from generators that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. The water fall or flow sets in motion a magnet or wire inside a generator, causing the flow of electrons that are attracted to the magnet. When a town is situated along a river, it is highly possible that the electricity is produced with the use of water.