A bridge over liquid water.
Frozen water
Water, a liquid between 273 and 373 K, is the simple combination of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen (H2O). Probably the most common liquid in the Milky Way Galaxy, water is crucial to the survival of most carbon-based lifeforms. It has some unique qualities, such as an unusually high boiling point (100° C), cohesion and adhesion. This is largly attributed to the special hydrogen bonds between water molecules. Frozen water is known as ice or snow, and water that is in solution with salt is known as saline or brine.
During a scan of Aldean DNA, Doctor Beverly Crusher was able to confirm that a rise in atmospheric H2O was not responsible for the Aldeans' sterility. (TNG: "When the Bough Breaks")
Water is a standard part of all Starfleet emergency rations packs. In 2367, Captain Picard and Ensign Crusher were stranded without water after crash-landing on Lambda Paz, a desert-like moon of Pentarus V, since their shuttle pilot Dirgo never found time to pack water in the emergency supplies. (TNG: Final Mission)
Kataan was experiencing a constant draught towards the end of the planet's lifetime as its sun was rapidly approaching a nova. Water on the planet had to be rationed and it was considered to construct atmospheric condensers that could reclaim evaporating water from the air. (TNG: "The Inner Light")
The preindustrial civilization of Barkon IV incorrectly believed that water was one of the four basic elements of the universe, along with fire, sky and rock. Water was sometimes difficult to find in matter, but it was believed that all objects contained water. (TNG: "Thine Own Self")
The water packs are also useful for surviving desert conditions, such as on Tyree, which Benjamin Sisko visited in 2375, searching for the Orb of the Emissary. (DS9: "Shadows and Symbols")
In some regions of the Delta Quadrant, water is scarce and a valued commodity, traded amongst species such as the Kazon and Talaxians. In 2371, Captain Kathryn Janeway used water to bribe Kazon maje Jabin for information concerning the Ocampa. (VOY: "Caretaker")
In gravitically unstable regions of space (such as the gravitational event horizon of a collapsing planet or star), water can form into long chains of polywater.
Aquatic lifeform types
Sentient aquatic species
- Rigellians, being turtles may also be aquatic.
Alien water drinks
Bodies of water
- See Bodies of water
Art about water
See also
- Boat
- Great Material Continuum
- Heavy water
- Hoobishan Baths
- Pirate
- Qui'al dam