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Water is a prime natural resource, a basic human need and a precious national asset. Planning, development and management of water Resources need to be governed by national perspectives.
India accounts for about 2.45 per cent of world’s surface area, 4 per cent of the world’s Water Resources and about 16 per cent of world’s Population. The total water available from Precipitation in the country in a year is about 4,000 cubic km. The availability from surface water and replenishable groundwater is 1,869 cubic km. Out of this only 60 per cent can be put to beneficial uses. Thus, the total utilisable water resource in the country is only 1,122 cubic km.
There are four main sources of water:
(i) Surface water
(ii) Underground water
(iii) Atmospheric water, and
(iv) Oceanic water
(i) Surface water
Water found on the surface is called surface water. About two – third of the total surface water flows into three major rivers of the country – Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputras. The water storage capacity of reservoirs constructed in India so far is about 17400 billion cubic metres. At the time of independence, the water storage capacity was only 180 billion cubic metres. Hence water storage capacity has increased about ten times.
India’s Average annual surface run-off generated by rainfall and snowmelt is estimated to be about 1869 billion cubic meter (BCM). However, it is estimated that only about 690 BCM or 37 per cent of the surface water resources can actually be mobilised. This is because (i) over 90 per cent of the annual flow of the Himalayas rivers occur over a four month period and (ii) potential to capture such resources is complicated by limited suitable storage reservoir sites.
(ii) Underground water
It refers to all water below the water table to great depths. In the Soil, both water and air coexist in the pore spaces. A profound consequence is that the capillary water in the soil can only be extracted by plant roots, within certain range of conditions. Ground water, on the other hand can be extracted by humans through wells. Ground water and soil water together constitute the lower part of the Hydrological Cycle. The annual potential natural of ground water recharge from rainfall in India is about 342.43 km3 , which is 8.56% of total annual rainfall of the country.
Underground water is used on a large scale in the areas where the rainfall is comparatively less. Underground water is used on a large scale in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh whereas Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnatake and Chhattisgarh are such states where inspite of less rainfall, the use of underground water is less. There is a great need to develop underground water resources here.
(iii) Atmospheric water
Evaporation and Transpiration change liquid water into vapor, which ascends into the Atmosphere due to rising air currents. Cooler temperatures aloft allow the vapor to condense into clouds and strong winds move the clouds around the world until the water falls as precipitation to replenish the earthbound parts of the water cycle. About 90 percent of water in the atmosphere is produced by evaporation from water bodies, while the other 10 percent comes from transpiration from Plants.
(iv) Oceanic water
The Ocean plays a key role in this vital cycle of water. The ocean holds 97% of the total water on the planet; 78% of global precipitation occurs over the ocean, and it is the source of 86% of global evaporation. Besides affecting the amount of atmospheric water vapor and hence rainfall, evaporation from the sea surface is important in the movement of heat in the Climate system. Water evaporates from the surface of the ocean, mostly in warm, cloud-free subtropical seas.,
Water is essential for life on Earth. It covers about 71% of the planet’s surface, and it is found in the atmosphere, in the soil, and in living things. Water is used for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and many other purposes.
The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth’s surface. The sun’s energy drives the water cycle by evaporating water from the Earth’s surface. This water vapor rises into the atmosphere and cools, condensing into clouds. The clouds release the water back to the Earth as precipitation, such as rain or snow. The water then flows back into the Oceans, lakes, and rivers, or it seeps into the ground to become groundwater.
Water resources are the sources of water that are available for human use. These include surface water, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs; groundwater, such as aquifers; and rainwater. Water resources are also used for Irrigation, Industry, and energy production.
Water supply is the amount of water that is available for human use. Water demand is the amount of water that is needed for human use. Water scarcity occurs when water demand exceeds water supply. Water Stress occurs when water demand is close to water supply. A water crisis occurs when water demand exceeds water supply and there is a significant impact on human Health, the Environment, or the economy.
Water management is the process of planning, developing, and operating water resources to meet human needs. Water conservation is the practice of using water more efficiently to reduce water demand. Water efficiency is the use of water resources in a way that minimizes waste. Water reuse is the process of using treated wastewater for another purpose, such as irrigation or industrial cooling. Water recycling is the process of converting wastewater into water that can be used for drinking or other purposes. Desalination is the process of removing salt from seawater to make it drinkable. Rainwater harvesting is the collection of rainwater for use in irrigation, drinking, or other purposes. Greywater recycling is the treatment and reuse of wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing machines. Wastewater treatment is the process of removing pollutants from wastewater so that it can be safely returned to the environment.
Watershed Management is the process of managing the land and water resources in a watershed to protect water quality and quantity. A watershed is an area of land that drains into a common water body, such as a river, lake, or ocean. River basin management is the management of the land and water resources in a river basin. An aquifer is a underground layer of rock or sand that contains water. Groundwater management is the management of the use of groundwater. Surface water management is the management of the use of surface water, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Stormwater management is the management of runoff from storms. Flood control is the process of preventing or reducing the damage caused by floods. Drought management is the process of managing water resources during a drought.
Watershed restoration is the process of restoring a watershed to its natural condition. Wetland restoration is the process of restoring wetlands to their natural condition. Riparian restoration is the process of restoring riparian areas to their natural condition. Watershed protection is the process of protecting watersheds from damage. Watershed conservation is the process of conserving watersheds. Watershed management plans are plans that outline how a watershed will be managed. Watershed restoration plans are plans that outline how a watershed will be restored. Wetland restoration plans are plans that outline how wetlands will be restored. Riparian restoration plans are plans that outline how riparian areas will be restored. Watershed protection plans are plans that outline how watersheds will be protected. Watershed conservation plans are plans that outline how watersheds will be conserved.
Water is a precious resource that we must protect. We can all do our part to conserve water by using it wisely and by reducing our water demand. We can also support water conservation efforts in our communities. By working together, we can ensure that everyone has access to safe and clean water.
What is water scarcity?
Water scarcity is the lack of sufficient available water to meet all demands within a region. It can be caused by Climate Change, population Growth, and unsustainable water use.
What are the causes of water scarcity?
The main causes of water scarcity are climate change, Population Growth, and unsustainable water use. Climate change is causing changes in precipitation patterns, which can lead to droughts in some areas and floods in others. Population growth is putting a strain on water resources, as more people need water for drinking, bathing, cooking, and agriculture. Unsustainable water use, such as over-pumping groundwater, can also lead to water scarcity.
What are the effects of water scarcity?
Water scarcity can have a number of negative effects on human health, the environment, and the economy. It can lead to dehydration, Malnutrition, and even death. It can also damage Ecosystems, as plants and animals need water to survive. And it can hurt the economy, as businesses and industries need water to operate.
What are the solutions to water scarcity?
There are a number of solutions to water scarcity, including:
- Conserving water: This can be done by using water-efficient appliances and fixtures, taking shorter showers, and fixing any leaks in your home.
- Recycling water: This can be done by collecting rainwater or graywater and using it for watering plants or flushing toilets.
- Desalination: This is the process of removing salt from seawater to make it drinkable.
- Rainwater harvesting: This is the process of collecting rainwater and storing it for later use.
- Watershed management: This is the process of managing land and water resources in a way that protects water quality and quantity.
What is the future of water scarcity?
The future of water scarcity is uncertain. However, it is likely that the problem will become more severe in the coming years due to climate change and population growth. It is important to take steps to conserve water and find sustainable solutions to water scarcity.
Which of the following is not a major source of water for humans?
(A) Groundwater
(B) Surface water
(C) Rainwater
(D) SeawaterWhich of the following is the largest source of freshwater on Earth?
(A) Glaciers and ice caps
(B) Groundwater
(C) Lakes and rivers
(D) Soil moistureWhich of the following is the largest use of freshwater by humans?
(A) Agriculture
(B) Industry
(C) Domestic use
(D) Energy productionWhich of the following is the most efficient way to use water?
(A) Collect rainwater
(B) Use graywater
(C) Fix leaks
(D) Take shorter showersWhich of the following is the most sustainable way to manage water resources?
(A) Use water conservation measures
(B) Recycle wastewater
(C) Protect water quality
(D) All of the aboveWhich of the following is the most common waterborne disease?
(A) Cholera
(B) Dysentery
(C) Typhoid fever
(D) All of the aboveWhich of the following is the most effective way to prevent waterborne diseases?
(A) Boil water
(B) Filter water
(C) Use chlorine tablets
(D) All of the aboveWhich of the following is the most important factor in determining water scarcity?
(A) Climate change
(B) Population growth
(C) Overuse of water resources
(D) All of the aboveWhich of the following is the most effective way to address water scarcity?
(A) Reduce water demand
(B) Increase water supply
(C) Improve water management
(D) All of the aboveWhich of the following is the most important thing you can do to help conserve water?
(A) Take shorter showers
(B) Fix leaks
(C) Turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth
(D) All of the above