Water Resources and Scarcity Quiz

Study Notes

Earth's surface is mostly water, but usable freshwater is a small portion
Freshwater comes from surface runoff and groundwater, constantly renewed through the hydrological cycle
Water is a renewable resource
Water scarcity results from over-exploitation, excessive use, and unequal access
Large populations and increased demand are factors contributing to water scarcity
Unequal access to water is another cause of water scarcity in some regions
Excessive use of water for irrigated agriculture is a significant contributor to water scarcity
Water scarcity can also be due to polluted water, despite abundant supply

Water shortages are often linked to low rainfall regions or drought-prone areas
Water scarcity can exist in areas with substantial available water
Water quality, not just quantity, plays a vital role in scarcity problems
Water from sources like rivers, springs, lakes, and groundwater sources can become polluted due to industrial waste and chemicals
Pollution from domestic and industrial waste poses a threat to freshwater
Excessive exploitation and misuse of water resources lead to ecological crises causing adverse effects on human life

Water conservation and management are critical for maintaining water availability
Multi-purpose river projects are used to supply water for agriculture, industries, and domestic use
Dams are used to impound rivers and rainwater for irrigation and electricity generation
Multi-purpose projects aim to integrate different water uses

Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable alternative water source
Traditional methods include rainwater collection in underground tanks (tankas) in Rajasthan
Ancient techniques involved creating channels or diversion systems (guls or kuls) for managing water in mountainous regions
Rooftop collection systems provide a reliable source of water, especially during the dry season in Rajasthan
Rainwater harvesting systems are crucial to conserving and sustaining water supplies
Many households, especially in rural areas, have adapted rooftop rainwater-harvesting systems.

Bamboo irrigation systems, prevalent in Meghalaya, direct water from higher elevations to crops
Bamboo pipes deliver water in a controlled manner, minimizing wastage

Inter-state water disputes are often caused by differing water usage needs and rights
The allocation of water sources among states can trigger conflicts
Disputes can also arise from perceived inequitable distribution or diversions of water sources