Where Does Drinking Water Come From When Everything Is Frozen?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Where does drinking water come from when everything is frozen?

The Big Idea

Even where everything is frozen, polar stations make their own drinking water! There is plenty of ice, but there are no taps. So crews melt clean ice and snow, or take water from the sea.

Melt Snow

Step one: melt snow and ice. Many stations collect clean snow and ice and melt it in big heaters. The water is then filtered and checked so it is safe to drink.

Use the Sea

Step two: use seawater. Coastal stations pump in seawater and remove the salt. That leaves fresh water that is good for drinking, cooking, and washing.

Hot Water Drill

Step three: a water well in ice. At the South Pole, a special hot-water drill melts a deep pocket of water in the ice. The station pumps up that water, ready to be cleaned and used.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Clean snow and ice are the starting point. A big heater melts them into water. Coastal stations can also use seawater, with the salt removed. Water is used carefully, with very short showers.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Water is used carefully, with very short showers. Melting ice takes a lot of energy. Crews never melt dirty snow for drinking. Never eat snow or ice from outside without a grown-up's okay.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Ask a grown-up to put a bowl of ice cubes in a warm room. Time how long they take to melt. How much water do you get from a full bowl? Share what you discover with a grown-up.

Outro

Stations melt ice or clean seawater to make safe drinking water. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!