Water: A Precious Resource
Water is essential for life.
About 71% of the earth’s surface is covered with water. It is present as ground water, in
seas, oceans, rivers, lakes, ice caps, and in atmosphere.
Wells, rivers, ground water reservoirs or lakes are sources of fresh water.
Ocean and sea water is not potable because they contain large amount of dissolved
salts.
Water is a necessity for every form of life. It is used for domestic activities, irrigation,
industrial purposes, etc.
22nd March is celebrated as World Water day.
Water Cycle: The circulation of water between water bodies, lands and clouds is
known as water cycle.
o
o The change of water into its vapour is known as evaporation.
o The change of vapour back into water is known as condensation.
o Fall of water from clouds is known as precipitation or rainfall.
o Runoff is the process by which rain water returns back to the water bodies.
Clouds are formed during the process of condensation.
Rain, snow, hail, etc. replenish rivers, lakes, and wells and recharge the ground water.
1. Water is present in three forms.
2. Solid form − snow and ice
3. Liquid form − oceans, lakes, rivers, and underground water
4. Gaseous form − water vapour in the atmosphere
5. The three forms of water circulate through the water cycle and keep the total amount of
water constant on the earth.
Causes of water depletion
1. Increasing population
2. Rapid growth of industrialization
3. Growing agricultural practices
4. Mismanagement of water
5. Scanty rainfall
Mismanagement of water
1. Wastage during supply of water through pipes
2. Leaking taps in building and at other places
3. As an individual, we ourselves should acquire the habit of turning off the taps while
brushing.
4. Mop the floor instead of washing.
5. Plants wilt and dry up if they are not watered for a few days. As a result, the green
character of the planet might get lost within a few years. Therefore, we should conserve
water.
There is an immediate requirement to harvest water. The basic idea behind rainwater
harvesting is ‘Catch water where it falls’.
In rainwater harvesting method, the stored rainwater is used to recharge ground water.
1. Practices to conserve water
2. Water harvesting or Rainwater harvesting – The maximum amount of rainwater that
falls on land is collected and can be used to recharge the groundwater.
3. Revive the traditional way of collecting water through Bawri
4. Farmers should adopt drip irrigation method to deliver water directly at the base of the
plant.
