WATER CONSERVATION VivehaWATER CONSERVATION The process of saving water for future utilization is called water conservation. e Rain is the principle source of fresh water. e The other sources of water are lakes, rivers, oceans and streams. e With the increase of population quality and quantity of water has declined. e Since water is the most important component for human survival, it is essential to conserve water resources.NEED FOR WATER CONSERVATION e As population increases, the requirement of water also increases. ° Less than 1% of water on the earth is readily available for human use. e Due to deforestation there is a decrease in the annual rainfall. * Agricultural and industrial activities require more fresh water. « Over exploitation of ground water leads to drought.STRATEGIES OF WATER CONSERVATION The following strategies can be adopted for conservation of water. 7. Reducing evaporation loss: evaporation of water in humid regions can be reduced by placing horizontal barriers of asphalt below the soil surface , which increases water availability and crop yield. 2, Reducing irrigation loss: water loss during irrigation can be reduced by the following methods. + Growing hybrid crop varieties. * — Irrigation in early morning or later evening. + — Using drip irrigation or sprinkler irrigation.Strategies of water conservation Sprinkler irrigation Closing taps when not in use3. Re-use of water: + Treated water can be used for ferti-irrigation. Grey water can be used for washing cars, watering gardens, etc . + Water used for washing vegetables and fruits can be used to water plants. 4. Preventing wastage of water: wastage of water can be prevented by: . closing the taps when not in use. * repair any leakage from pipes. . use small capacity taps.Decrease run-off loss: run-off can be reduced by allowing water to infiltrate into the soil. This can be done by contour cultivation or terrace farming. Avoid discharge of sewage: discharge of untreated sewage into natural water resources must be prevented.METHODS OF WATER CONSERVATION There are many methods available for conservation of water, some of the important measures are: 1. Rainwater harvesting 2. Watershed managementRAINWATER HARVESTING Rainwater harvesting is a technique of collecting and storing rainwater in natural reservoirs or tanks for future utilization. Objecting of rainwater harvesting: e To meet increasing demands of water. « To reduce ground water contamination. * To minimize eater crisis. ° To reduce soil erosion. * To raise the water table by recharging the ground water.ROOFTOP RAINWATER HARVESTING It is a method of collecting rainwater from the roof of the building and storing it for future use. It is a low cost and effective technique for urban buildings. ADVANTAGES OF RAINWATER HARVESTING e Improves the quality and quantity of ground water. * reduces soil erosion and flooding. ° increases the availability of water. « Promotes water and energy conservation.WATERSHED MANAGEMENT Watershed: land area from which water drains under the influence of gravity into a stream, lake, reservoir or other body of surface water. Watershed management: the management of rainfall and resultant runoff is called watershed management. Factors affecting watershed: e Overgrazing ° deforestation e Mining e Construction activities e Droughty climatesObjectives of watershed management: e To minimize the risks of floods, droughts and landslides. « To prevent soil erosion by runoff. e To raise the ground water level. ° To generate employment opportunities. « To develop rural areas in the region. Waiershed management techniques: i. Trenches: trenches are dug at equal intervals to improve groundwater storage. 2. Earthen dam: it is constructed in the catchment area to check the water run-off. 3. Farm pond; it can be built to improve water storage capacity of the catchment area. 4. Dykes :It must be built along nullahs to raise the water table.MAINTAINANCE OF WATERSHED Water harvesting: proper storage of water in watershed is done so that the water can be used during dry seasons. Aforestation & agro forestry: it helps to prevent soil erosion and retention of moisture in watershed areas. Reducing soil erosion: contour cropping, strip cropping, etc., are used to minimize soil erosion. Scientific mining and quarrying: due to improper mining, the stability of hills get disturbed resulting in landslides. Planting soil binding plants at an interval of 1 meter on overburden dump in the mined area are recommended for minimizing the effects of mining in watershed areas. Minimizing livestock population: livestock population in the villages surrounding the watershed should be_ Thank you