Water Resources. Ms. Sarika Karda

Transcription

1 Water Resources Ms. Sarika Karda

2 Introduction Being a renewable resource, water is the most important natural resource. It is needed for all forms of life. It helps in movement, circulation and cycling of nutrients in the biosphere. Water is the colorless and tasteless liquid that covers about 71% of the earth. Ninety-seven percent of the water on earth is salt water and the other 3% is freshwater. Most of the freshwater is frozen at the North and South Poles. About a third of the freshwater is in rivers, streams, aquifers, and springs that are part of our drinking water. Water resources are sources of water that are useful or potentially useful. Uses of water include agricultural, industrial, household,recreational and environmental activities. Virtually all of these human uses require fresh water.

3 Distribution of Water on Earth Distribution of water on Earth (%) Oceans and seas Ice caps 02.0 Ground water 0.62 Fresh water Inland seas and salt lakes Atmosphere Rivers Total

4 Uses of Water Domestic use Drinking for all living beings, washing, cooking, sanitation and cleaning. Out of total use, about 7% water is use for domestic purpose. Agricultural use water irrigation, dairy processes, for livestock. Out of the total use, about 70% water is used for agriculture. Municipal use Cleaning hospitals, schools, fire fighting,etc. Industrial use Steam generation, cooling, processing and many other industrial activities.

5 Uses of Water Accomodation Living medium for fishes and aquatic animals. Transportation Inland waterways and sea or ocean waterways, navigation,etc. Power generation For hydel power (hydroelectricity) in a form of running or stored water or tidal waves. Aesthetic and Recreational use Swimming, fountains, musical and colourful fountains, garden lawns and gardens.

6 Types of water As per sources, water can be classified into two groups Surface water Ground water ) Surface water is water collecting on the ground or in a stream, river, lake, wetland, or ocean; it is related to water collecting as groundwater or atmospheric water. Groundwater is water located beneath the ground surface in soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formation. A unit of rock or an unconsolidated deposit is called an aquifer when it can yield a usable quantity of water. The depth at which soil pore spaces or fractures and voids in rock become completely saturated with water is called the water table.

7 Problems due to over utilization of water Lowering water table Over use of ground water for drinking, irrigation and domestic purposes has lowered the water in various regions. Quadrupled consumption Between 1940 and 1990, the world s population doubled. So it also increased the per capita consumption of water. So in the recent years, the use of water has quadrupled in the world. Shortage of water Due to over increasing population, there is a shortage of water in some parts of the world. Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa,etc. are in the severe grip shortage of water. It is estimated that by 2024, two-third third of population of world would suffer from shortage of water.

8 Conflicts over sharing of river water - Because of shortage of water, there are disputes over sharing of river water between i) Haryana and Delhi - for Yamuna river water, ii) Tamil Nadu and Karnataka - for Cauvery river water Water logging - Excessive irrigation leads to water logging and salinity problems. Over irrigation in arid and semiarid areas cause salt accumulation in soil. It may reduce the productivity of soil. Infiltration of Soil - Over pumping of ground water (wells and tube wells) near the coastal areas leads to infiltration (passing into in small amount) of salt water from the sea or ocean into fresh water. Waste - Water effects - More the water used for industrial and municipal purposes, more is the degradation of water by adding suspended solids, salts, bacteria and toxic materials. Such water causes for pollution of surface water.

9 Conflicts over Water Water is an essential natural resource for survival of life and environment. The distribution of water is uneven which has often led to inter - state or international disputes for sharing water. According to a report of United Nations about 80 nations including India and 40% of the world's population are facing the problems of water. In India, the states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Orissa are facing shortage of water.

10 Conflicts over Water In India The Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Yamuna water dispute between Haryana and Delhi. The Krishna water dispute between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The Narmada water dispute between Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The Satluj - Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal dispute between Punjab and Haryana.

11 Conflicts over Water In World The Indus Water Treaty. Middle East water conflicts.

12 Water Conservation and Management 1) Modern and efficient systems of irrigation like sprinkle and drip irrigation should be adopted so that water wastage through traditional method can be reduced. 2)There should be mass awareness about water pollution. 3) Urban refuse and industrial disposal must be controlled by sewage treatment plants. 4)Town and urban planning must charge the top priority to maintain water purity in surrounding areas. 5) The government must bring in force effective laws for water pollution control measures.

13 6) Recycling of waste water in industries must be done. 7) Harvesting of rain water can be done by storing rain water and recharging ground water. 8) Dams and water reservoirs must be constructed at suitable places to control floods. 9) Deforestation must be controlled. 10) The people having orthodox religious faiths must be educated to understand the nature of water pollution and its adverse effects on human health.

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