Water Resources - Key Concepts and Conservation

Importance of Water Resources

  • Water is essential for all life forms on Earth.
  • Comprises 65% of living beings and 65-99% of plants.
  • Although 3/4 of the earth is covered with water, only 3% is potable.
  • Increasing demand for water versus limited availability poses a challenge.
  • Efficient management and conservation of water resources are required.

Outcomes of Studying Water Resources

  • Understands the significance of water resources.
  • Describes sources and utilization patterns.
  • Explains uneven distribution of water.
  • Assesses issues related to water and suggests solutions.
  • Analyzes water conservation methods, including traditional ones.

Significance of Water Resources

  • Water is a renewable, yet increasingly pressured resource.
  • India has 4% of global water but houses 16% of the world's population.
  • Per capita water availability in India is low.
  • Floods affect 1/8 of the country, droughts affect 1/6.
  • Monsoon patterns contribute to uneven distribution.
  • Increased water demand from agriculture and urbanization impacts availability.

Sources of Water

  • Four main sources:
    • Surface Water
    • Mainly from precipitation, accounting for 20% evaporation.
    • Found in rivers, ponds, lakes; flows into seas.
    • Two-thirds of India’s surface water comes from Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra.
    • Storage capacity has risen significantly since independence.
    • Underground Water
    • Formed from rainwater percolating into the earth.
    • Annual replenishable underground water resources in India: 433 billion cubic metres.
    • Availability varies by rainfall, land type, and gradient.
    • More underground water found in Ganga-Brahmaputra plains than in desert and plateau regions.
    • Atmospheric Water
    • A small percentage that comes from moisture in the atmosphere.
    • Oceanic Water
    • Constitutes the largest source but is not directly usable.

Water Budget

  • Definition: Balance between available water and water in use.
  • Seasonal and regional variations exist in water availability.
  • Sufficient water during rainy season, shortages during dry season.
  • Current reserves: 23840 billion cubic metres; required for use: 10860 billion cubic metres.
  • Water budget informs effective resource planning and management.