Water facts

    Harpley’s unique series of wetlands and interconnected lakes are part of an important water system.

    A wide variety of plants and animals live in this ecosystem, while native and migratory birds are a treat for birdwatchers!

    Find out more about how these water systems work and why it is so important to keep them healthy on the Harpley Discovery Trail App and nature trails.

    Did you know?

    1

    70-75%
    of the Earth’s surface
    is covered with water.

    Of that figure,
    just 1% is fresh water.

    2

    Sea birds such as
    albatrosses and gulls can
    drink salt water.

    They excrete excess salt through a unique set of glands.

    3

    Far more fresh
    water is stored in
    underground aquifers
    than is on the
    planet’s surface.

    4

    Each Australian uses
    approximately 340,000 litres
    of water every year.

    This amounts to approximately eight residential swimming pools for each person.

    5

    Many countries use more water per year than natural water cycles can replace.

    This places a strain on waterways such as rivers
    and lakes.

    6

    Around 2,700 litres of
    water are required to make
    a single cotton t-shirt

    or

    about 25 full baths!