The hydrogen atoms are skewed to one side, giving the molecule a slight positive charge on one end, and negative on the other. This polarity causes a strong bond between water molecules. This polarity makes water a powerful solvent, carrying nutrients and other chemicals through ground water and living organisms. The way the molecules attract one another also accounts for water's strong surface tension. This makes it adhesive and elastic.
Water can hold together and form waves, rather than spreading out more readily.
Droplets cling to a solid surface, resisting gravity. And surface tension allows plants to draw water and nutrients up their stems, against gravity. Water has a high specific heat, which means lots of energy is required to raise its temperature. Water absorbs or gives off a large amount of heat without changing much in temperature. Water conducts heat more readily than any liquid except mercury, so large volumes of water readily maintain a uniform temperature.