Here's why:

* Oxygen's Valence Electrons: Oxygen has six valence electrons.

* Bonding with Hydrogen: Oxygen forms two single covalent bonds with two hydrogen atoms, using two of its valence electrons.

* Lone Pairs: The remaining four valence electrons on oxygen exist as two pairs of unbonded electrons, also known as lone pairs.

These lone pairs are responsible for water's polar nature and its ability to form hydrogen bonds.