APSEd Global Water Resources Self Read Material Lyst4423

W a ea ?
What is the distribution of earth s water resources

Various water resources potential
Water Conservation techniques
V APSEd C e Global Water Resources 2
Introduction
Water is present on the Earth in the atmosphere, hydrosphere (oceans), lithosphere (on land and
within soil). The Earth s water content (100%) is present as saline water in oceans (97.5%) and
freshwater (2.5%). Of this freshwater, 74% is found in freshwater and glaciers, 25.6% as
groundwater and the remaining 0.4% is present in lakes, rivers and as soil moisture. Fresh water
is used for various purposes such as agriculture, domestic, industries, environmental activities
etc.
Water resources potential

Surface water potential
The estimated average of the annual surface water in India is 1869 cubic km. The water that is
actually utilized is less because of physiography, topography, inter-state issues etc. Only 36% of
1869 cubic km i.e., 690 cubic km is utilizable as per Central Water Commission. This difference is
because the rain occurs in about 4 months a year and it is distributed unevenly over the country
spatially and temporally. Southwest monsoon between June and September is the main source of
freshwater (76%). Out of the average annual precipitation (4000 cubic km), average annual
surface flow is 1869 cubic km and the rest is lost in infiltration and evaporation.
Groundwater potential
The Central Ground Water Board has estimated the potential of dynamic or rechargeable ground
water resources of our country to be about 432 cubic km.
The recharge of groundwater depends on the rainfall intensity, soil and aquifer conditions.
Groundwater is dynamic in nature and recharged every year by means of rainfall, seepage from
surface water bodies and return flow from irrigation etc.
Utilizable surface water potential is the quantity of water that can be used without draining into the
sea by building structures like dams, barrages, canals, etc.
The Central Water Commission, a premier technical organization in the field of water resources
works as a part of the Ministry of Water Resources at New Delhi. It coordinates the schemes for
control, conservation and utilization of water resources for flood control, irrigation, navigation,
drinking water supply and water power development purposes throughout the country.
The Central Ground Water Board carries out nation-wide surveys and assesses groundwater
resources and guides the states in scientific and technical matters relating to groundwater. It
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generates scientific and technical data through regional hydro geological surveys, groundwater
exploration, resource and water quality monitoring and research and development. It helps the
states in development and management of groundwater resources. It also organizes awareness
programmes to educate on aspects of groundwater investigation, exploration, development and
management.
Groundwater recharge
When the rainwater flows on the ground surface, first it seeps through the soil, then flows laterally
and the remaining continues to percolate deeper into the soil. This water will finally reach a
saturated zone and recharges the groundwater. This recuperation of groundwater is groundwater
recharge which increases the elevation of the groundwater table. This can be done with artificial
techniques, which includes construction of a detention dam (a water spreading dam or a dike), to
store the flood waters and allow for subsequent seepage of water into the soil and increase the
groundwater table. It can even be done by rainwater harvesting on a small scale, even at
individual houses. The groundwater recharge volume for India is 418.5 cubic km and the per
capita annual volume of groundwater recharge is 412.9 cubic m per person.
Present water utilization in India

The main use of water is by irrigation. It constitutes around 84 percent which is greater than the
world s average which is about 65 percent. The remaining 16 percent is used for rural domestic
and livestock use, municipal domestic and public use, thermal-electric power plants and other
industrial uses.
Water conservation
In arid and semi-arid areas, the rainfall is highly intense which results in high runoff and low soil
moisture retention. Hence, the loss of rainwater is about 50-60%. Runoff depends on various
factors like duration and intensity of rainfall, soil type, land use, land cover type etc. If surface
runoff is stored, it can be used for irrigation and several other purposes as and when required.
This shows the importance of water conservation.
Conservation by surface storage
This age old technique includes the construction of various projects like dams, barrages etc. The
amount of water that can be stored depends on the topographic conditions and availability of
water. Environmental aspects are of great concern to build such large dams.
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Conservation of rainwater
The rainwater is stored and used in different parts of the country. If the water is collected over a
large area, it can be used in times where there is inadequate or uneven rainfall. This involves
rows of rocks placed along different contours. Contour terraces can also be employed. The rocks
stop and retain the runoff. Conserving rainwater is suitable for places with considerable intensity
of rainfall extending over large areas. Example being himalayan region, North East states, and
Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Groundwater conservation
About 10 percent of the precipitation percolates as groundwater flow. As the groundwater is

limited, it is very important to conserve the groundwater.
A f c a ec a ge
Groundwater can be conserved by artificial recharge i.e., digging recharge pits to allow some
rainwater to percolate deep to keep the groundwater table constant as people tend to use the
water by digging wells in water scarce regions.
Pe c a a e d
Percolation tanks are built along the water course for recharging groundwater. It is extremely
important to manage groundwater as it is used in case of untimely or no rain scenario.
Ca c e a ea ec
This is necessary to protect the quality and quantity of water in a catchment. By constructing a
check bund, runoff is held and this delay in runoff causes seepage underground. This method is
seen in NE states hilly areas. It also helps in conservation of the soil. Afforestation in the
catchment area also helps in conserving water and soil.
Reca a a e ead
These are questions which will help you recall what you have learned so far.
1. What is the saline water percentage in the total water content of the Earth ?
2. Explain surface and groundwater potential
3. What are different types of water conservation techniques?
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W a ea ?

What is the distribution of earth s water resources

Water resources potential

Present water utilization in India

Conservation by surface storage

About 10 percent of the precipitation percolates as groundwater flow. As the groundwater is

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