Water, known scientifically asdihydrogen monoxide, was a compound created from the elements ofhydrogen andoxygen and found on manyplanets inthe galaxy. The surface of planets such asMon Calamari,Kamino, andManaan were completely covered in water and on other terrestrial planets, water was found inoceans,lakes,rivers andaquifers. Water was a vital commodity for many life forms, while for other species it was poisonous.Bodies of many species consisted of large amounts of water; for example, water was about 60 percent ofHuman body weight.
Water in its frozen form was known asice and in gaseous form was calledwater vapor, which formed crystals. Sometimes it would condense and fall assnow,sleet, orhail. Planets that experienced consistent ice includedCsilla,Hoth,Mygeeto,Ilum,Rhen Var,Anteevy,Ota,Orto Plutonia,Ojom,Rekkiad, andPolus.
In the galaxy, no liquid was as versatile as water, and few organisms could exist without it. The unique molecular structure of water gave it several unusual properties necessary to the chemical reactions that sustained life. These properties included its ability to dissolve chemicals, its ability to easily absorb and redistribute heat, its high surface tension, and the fact that it expanded when frozen. Life had a much higher likelihood of developing where water andcarbon were present.[1]
Han Solo noted while onTatooine that none of the millions of scientific geniuses in the galaxy had found a way to eliminate ahuman body's need for water. They could make suits that conserved every drop, they could buildChem-reactors that synthesized it out of any breathable atmosphere or pressurize it so that you could carry a week's supply on their belt in amass-nulling clip. However, there was no pill or injection that negated the need for water.[2]
Water was essential for the survival of most species, and the availability of long-term and sustainable sources or means of acquiring water affected the habitability of any particular place. A variety of means, mostly technological, existed to acquire water; these means—used more extensively on dry and arid planets—were similar to farming and hence termed "water farming."
Dams were built on some planets to form artificial lakes for the purpose of storing water[8] for later use, providing a reliable source of water.
Water survey devices were used to detect high levels of humidity, and moisture vaporators were usually placed in these regions for maximum output.[9]
Seas andoceans were a major source of drinking water, but not without first processing it. Onplanets such asBelasco, seawater was run through adesalination process in order to make it potable.[10]
Some planets had methods of processing and converting sewage into pure water, in order to reuse the water. One such method usedrecirculation pumps.[11]
Once water was collected, it was distributed through large networks of irrigation canals, allowing stored water to flow into populated regions for consumption.[12]. One example was theTelos Polar Irrigation System, the primary source of drinking water forTelos IV, though it was abandoned at the time of theJedi Civil War and used primarily as aJedi Academy for a time after that.
Drinking water[]
"How could anyone eat that stuff?" "Some creatures wonder how Humans can drink water, yet you take delight in it."
Among its many applications, water was popular for drinking, though not among all species.[13] Water was usually dispensed from sink faucets found in various types of buildings. Water could also be purchased as a cheap beverage at acantina,[14] or in containers from street vendors.[15] Free drinking water was rare inthe galaxy.[16] As a result, it was often a target ofsmuggling and theft.[15]
The quality and purity of drinking water differed throughout the galaxy. On Tatooine, drinking water had a metallic taste and smelled strongly of dust and purification chemicals and contained bits of grit and sand.[15]
Most animals and some sentient species drank water directly from lakes and rivers, though not all bodies of water were safe to drink from. For example, the water ofLake Natth onAmbria was poisoned by thedark side of the Force.[19]
Other uses of water[]
Hoth, a planet constantly covered in ice
"I have drinking water. And enough for the garden. But the irrigation system's dry. The crops are starting to droop."
Valuable minerals could be mined from seawater. The world-ocean ofUtapau, for example, was rich in minerals, salts, and chemicals, and was the only natural resource on the planet which attracted interplanetary trade. By the time of theClone Wars, however, less than 0.9% of the planet was covered in water.[21]
Water was used in cooking, either to boil food such aspashi noodles,[22] or as an ingredient in beverages such ashot chocolate.[23] If frozen into perfect ice crystals, water was a delicacy in itself and was served as a dish during theFeast of Prosperity onNar Shaddaa. Ice crystals from theCrystal Wastes on Hoth were particularly prized.[24]
It also had hygienic applications. Beings often utilized water through fixtures found inrefreshers such asshowers,baths, and faucets to wash themselves.[14]
Water could be used as art or decoration, in the form of elaborate water sculptures, fountains, and artificial waterfalls.[18]
For recreation and relaxation, some beings would swim in natural bodies of water, or in artificialswimming pools.[25]
Cultural significance[]
Water was very significant in some cultures, especially those based on planets where water was rare. TheTusken Raiders of Tatooine considered water wells to be sacred places, and hence vehemently protected them.[9][26]
"Explanation: It's just that... you have all these squishy parts, master. And all that water! How the constant sloshing doesn't drive you mad, I have no idea...."
Large bodies of water presented the risk of drowning to many of the air-breathing species of the galaxy. Devices calledrebreathers could be utilized by such beings to breathe underwater.[29] TheYuuzhan Vong usedgnulliths instead of rebreathers, which were also able to be used by other species. In33 BBY,Alexi Garyn drowned, though not without the involvement ofDarth Maul.[30]
Someblasters were known to malfunction after being submerged in icy water.[31]Lightsabers could not operate underwater unless specially modified.[32]
Aponcho was a piece of clothing that could be used as protection against rain.[16]
"A Death Star Is Born" — Star Wars Tales 4
